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BORN
1955
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
James Stephens, Jr. Obituary
With great sadness, we heartbreakingly announce the passing of our precious Jimmy on April 21, 2025 at the age of 69 after a valiant battle with cancer. He was born in Hollister on November 3, 1955 to James “T-Bone” and Rose Stephens and lived in Hollister his whole life.
He attended Sacred Heart School where the many stories of his hysterical shenanigans began. He graduated from San Benito Joint Union High School in 1973. During his high school years, his awesome personality really began to emerge. He was funny, had a lot of fun times, and everyone knew who he was. In his youth, he was very athletic and participated in several sports activities, often coached by his father. He was the medic for Pop Warner and San Benito High School home and away games for many years as a volunteer.
Jimmy and Donna Clayton married in 1979, established a home in Hollister and brought two amazing sons into the world- Michael and Donald. He was a hard worker and did well by his family and took great care of them and made sure they had what they needed. He became a father figure to many of his sons’ friends and treated them as his own.
He had several jobs, but was very proud to work with his dad and mom at Stephens and Poletti Ambulance Service for several years. His compassion for helping people was recognized by many and gave him confidence. He became a dispatcher for San Benito County, then for Gilroy Police Department. Many knew of his many stories from these jobs and can smile and laugh when remembering them. His most recent position was at Grunnagle/Ament/Nelson Funeral Home where his kindness and great compassion was front and center at all times. After leaving the funeral home, he continued to help with Veteran Services and individuals by providing burial flags and headstones for those in need. He did so many great things for so many people and his helpfulness was very appreciated and recognized.
Jimmy and Donna enjoyed traveling and often included family members and friends to various destinations. Some of the favorites were: Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, Canada, Mexico, New Orleans, Europe, the Caribbean, and to Switzerland to visit their exchange student/adopted son, Donat Tester and family. They also took many cruises and had many great times.
Jimmy leaves a legacy of great kindness and compassion, intelligence, honesty, awesome humor, and his quick wit. He will never be out of our hearts and minds. He’s unforgettable and forever loved. What an incredible man he was.
He is survived by his wife Donna, and sons Michael (Emily) and Donald (Julia) and grandchildren Issac Rovella, Abigail and Erick Stephens and Ryan and Holly Stephens. He is also survived by his sister Judie Turpin (Ted Miller) and Jeanne Key (John), his sisters and brothers -in-laws Arthur and Carol Kirkpatrick, Sharon Clayton, Ann and Carl Wilkerson, Veronica Thurman, David Clayton, and Nona Browning. He also leaves many nephews and nieces, cousins, his godson Gregory Jacobs, countless friends, and his fur babies Cooper and Bailey. He was predeceased by his parents, Jim and Rose Stephens, and many family members.
A celebration of life will be held July 12th at the Hollister Elks Lodge from 1p.m.-4p.m.
Memories and Condolences
for James Stephens, Jr.
Dan and Mindy Zen
July 10, 2025
We will miss you my friend. Both work and friendship.
Keith Alipaz
July 6, 2025
James Jr. was a very caring employee of Grunnagles/Ament/Nelson funeral home. He helped us through the process of planning and preparing required paperwork for the funeral of my sister, Michelle Alipaz. I am deeply saddened by your loss. I also worked for James’s dad, T-Bone at Stephen’s & Poletti Ambulance.
May God ease your pain do to his loss.
Margaret Salinas
July 5, 2025
Our deepest condolences, love and prayers to all the family. Jimmy as My Mama (Frances Nava) called him. We will miss your smile and words of encouragement. The big hugs and I loved that you told me that you and my brother Ralph would run to my parents house so you could get the tortillas Mama was making and make sure you put lots of butter on them! Rest in Peace.
Margaret (Nava), Mario, Sommer and Autumn.
Dan & Lynda Kennedy
July 3, 2025
Jimmy will be greatly missed. He was true to all who had the honor and pleasure of knowing him. We will miss his annual visit.
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Jim and Kas Filice
July 1, 2025
Our condolences to Donna and family.
Jimmy will always be in our hearts. One of the nicest people we have ever known.
Daniel Corral Jr
June 26, 2025
Very sad news he was a good friend!
Orin Stuart
June 26, 2025
Oh my gosh, I did not expect this. I am so sorry. He was a very nice friend to me always I give my condolences to Donna and his entire family I have many vivid Markleeville memories. We had lots of fun. Hang in there friends. Love you guys.
Nona Browning
June 26, 2025
I will miss Jimmy, he was the so kind to everyone. He was funny , hard working and loved his family. Though he is gone he will always be remembered as a great brother in law.
Dianne Lofano
June 26, 2025
I'm am deeply saddened to of loss of our dear cousin Jimmy. He was always a loving husband, dad, brother and cousin. You will be deeply miss and loved. You are with some many of our family members now. Thank you for all the wonderful times we had together cousin, may you rest in God's loving arms and dance with the Angels.
You´re A Class Act Uncle Jimmy !
Sandra Fox- Kirkpatrick
June 25, 2025
Your A Class Act Uncle Jimmy you will be missed All Your Jokes and All your Funny Stories!
Michele Bozzo
June 25, 2025
Jim, you were so kind to me every time I called communications.You were a great friend and a sweet person. Thank you for always answering my questions and not making me feel like a pain. You will be missed by all who knew you. Rest easy my friend.
Ray Ketchum
June 8, 2025
My deepest sympathies for the Stevens family.
I didn't know Jim very well. I only met him through the passing of my wife. When I walked in the funeral home,
Jim's compassion was very much appreciated. At the lowest point in my life, he was one huge help to me.
There are few people in this world that are blessed with comforting others.
He surely has a special place in Heaven, as well as my heart.
Thoughts and prayers for all the family
Ray Ketchum
Carmen Carpenter
May 16, 2025
We had the distinct privilege to have met and worked with Jimmy for many years at Gilroy Police. Both Steve and myself will miss his infectious laugh, kind smile and his sense of humor. He was one of a kind, and will be missed greatly. Rest easy my friend. May God Bless you.
Dave Larton
May 15, 2025
To a great 9-1-1 partner, and an even greater friend....you'll be missed! ...Yoikes, and Away!
David Johns
May 6, 2025
Uncle Jim was one of a kind. He was easy to love and always had a fun story to share. Anyone who met him knows that Jim made every moment of life full.
Our family was blessed to be close and to spen a lot of time together, except for the long hours uncle worked to support his wife and kids. He missed a lot of holidays in order to pick up hours or allow others to be with theirs. He would give anyone the shirt off his back, often without being asked. There isn't anything he wouldn't do to help someone as he was a gifted giver who always stepped up to help.
Uncle often talked about what great friends he had through the years. Thank you all for bringing so much joy to his life, he really had a lot of fun with you all.
It's hard to think that his long life seemed to go by so quickly. I think we'll see him again someday and that we'll laugh together eternally.
Aunt Donna, Mikey, Donnie, Emily, Julia and all you kids, our heart is with you. We love you so much and we're so sorry to lose such an amazing uncle.
Uncle Jim, keep hittin thise long drives up there. Tell grandpa not to swear if he shanks one We love you uncle.
Valerie Smith
May 6, 2025
My heartfelt condolences to Donna and family. Jimmy was truly iconic in the Hollister community and will be deeply missed. His presence left a lasting impact on all who knew him, and his absence will leave a big hole in our hearts. Wishing you strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Sincerely, Valerie Smith & family
Sue Ruiz (Follett)
May 5, 2025
My deepest condolences to Jimmy’s family.
Larry Weber
May 5, 2025
My sincere condolences to Jimmy's many friends and family. Rest In Eternal Peace Jimmy. Good memories of little league baseball and going to school.
Sandy Patterson
May 5, 2025
Dearest Donna and family
I was so sorry to read of Jimmy's passing. Jimmy was one of the people that was kind/caring besides Dale Brown and Mike Covell when I started the San Benito County Sheriff's Department in September 1985. To know Jimmy was an honor and privilege. He was the best at whatever he did.
Sending prayers and condolences to you Donna and your family. ❤✝❤
Grunnagle Team
Blanca Fuentez
May 3, 2025
It was such a privilege to have worked with Jim. His care for his community and families in San Benito County was always evident. Jim always said, working for the funeral home made him a better person. But it really was the person that made the funeral home better. I will never forget everything he taught me and truly will miss him.
Steve Leon
May 1, 2025
A great neighbor for many years. A great friend and co-worker. I will miss him but not forget him.
Curtis and Ellen Hill
May 1, 2025
Rest in eternal peace Jimmy. So many great memories of our shenanigans in high school and of working together at the Sheriff’s Office. Going to miss your sense of humor and how amazing you were as a dispatcher. Our condolences to the entire family.
Alice Borello
May 1, 2025
My condolences to the Stephen’s family. Rest In Peace Jim.
STEVE MORROW
April 30, 2025
Jimmy was a good, solid and hilariously funny family man. It was a pleasure to work with him for so many years at GPD. I'm proud to have known him. Rest easy buddy.
Connie Lorscheider
April 30, 2025
Jimmy was my mentor. Being in dispatch for 40 yrs now, I can say he was the best example of a great dispatcher. Let’s not forget his clam chowder soup he made for all of us. I loved his sense of humor. We will all miss him. We love you Jimmy.
Raymond Jaime
April 30, 2025
My wife Cindy and I would like to send our deepest condolences to the entire Stephens family. Jimmy and I were really good friends as youngsters growing up in Hollister, CA. I have very fond memories of Jimmy and I as teammates in a number of sports and some of those teams, mainly baseball we shared team championships. To Jimmy's parents, Jimmy -T Bone and Rose, sisters Judie and Jeanne, thank you for allowing Jimmy to be a part of my life and for welcoming me into yours. I will always cherish those memories. Jimmy, we may have been champions in sports, but more importantly you were a champion in life. RIP my dear friend.
stan manza
April 29, 2025
both Jimmy and myself pretty much grew up at Hollister Lanes. We always played the pinball machines and would last the night playing on one dime. He was always better then me controlling the machines with the paddles without tilting the machine. fond memories of my youth.
Dave Coleman
April 29, 2025
My deepest sympathies to Jimmy’s family, he was a good man and great guy, he will be missed.
Bob Bozzo
April 29, 2025
You were one of a kind Jimmy, I always enjoyed seeing you whenever I walked into Communications and when we had our union meetings as officers to figure out how to battle city hall. You will be missed ! Rest in peace
Debbie Castro (Shores)
April 29, 2025
Jim, I’m so sorry to hear of your early passing. I was hoping you could beat that cancer and get another chance at an extended life with your family and friends. Breaks our hearts.
As our kids were growing up together, they spent so much time at your house—being fed, cared for, and always loved as if they were your own.
Thank you for always keeping Chris and the whole tribe safe as they grew up. I know they all looked up to you and loved you and Donna dearly.
From the bottom of our hearts, our family thanks you.
With love and gratitude,
[Debbie Castro (Shores) and Family
Ginger Lasseter Swartz
April 29, 2025
When my son Matthew passed away he was brought to Grunnagle-Nelson-Ament in Hollister. I still get teary eyed when I remember how Jimmy was so kind & compassionate during one of the hardest times in my life. No matter how many times I asked the same question he still answered without judgement. Jimmy had a heart of gold & a heart for people who were grieving. A kind word, warm hug, reassurance that Matthew was treated with dignity & respect. Jimmy, I will never forget you. I hope you & Matthew meet eachother in heaven!
Donna & family, sending our sincere condolences to all of you.
May your memories of Jimmy bring you comfort in the coming days. Much love
Rhonda Brown
April 29, 2025
There really are no words to express the immense sadness with Jim’s passing. It has been such an honor and privilege to have him as my friend. He truly was one in a billion and such a wonderful person. He loved his family beyond limits and only wanted the best for each of them. A harder more loyal employee never existed. His varied career is like reading something several people would love to be involved in just one of. His kindness and compassion for others was far reaching. Thank you Jim for your friendship and the amazing memories I will treasure forever. Love you more!
Claudia Garcia
April 29, 2025
Jim, thank you for everything you taught me. It was an honor working with you and an honor for you to call me your friend.
I will forever remember and miss you!
May you rest in peace.
Michelle Costa
April 29, 2025
I enjoyed working with Jim while we were both part of the GPD family. He was a great dispatcher and a great guy. My condolences to all of his loved ones.
Walter Shores
April 29, 2025
Thank you Jim for being a great father figure to me while growing up. You were a great man to look up to and you helped mold me into the father I am today. The Shores family is terribly saddened by your passing. We love you and your family Jim, blessings to them all!
Ruben Landeros
April 29, 2025
I will miss you my friend,
I learned so much from Jimmy, he showed me how to conduct business with people in a dignified manner during times of despair
Rest in eternal peace and harmony Jimmy
Harold Nunez
April 29, 2025
Rest in Peace my friend
Karen Hagen
April 29, 2025
Judy So sorry to read of your brother's passing..you have lots of memories.
I met you way back when we went to Gavilsn College.
Franklyn Lopes Jr
April 29, 2025
Deepest Sympathies to the Stephens Family. Jimmy was an excellent and compassionate person, as well as a friend. I will miss seeing him.
Dan and Olivia Jaime
April 29, 2025
Many fond memories of growing up in Hollister, CA with Jimmy. He came from a wonderful family. My wife Olivia and I send our condolences and prayers to Donna and family.
Robin Lynch
April 29, 2025
I was heartbroken to hear of Jim's passing. I work for San Benito County Public Health, and I met him when he worked for Grunnagle Funeral Home, and he was an absolute pleasure to work with. He was funny and kind, and he always brought a smile to our faces every time he would come in. Jim was so gracious when my parents passed away, and he went above and beyond to make sure that everything was properly taken care of.
Jim was an awesome work colleague, and I'm honored to have called him my friend. My prayers are with your family, and Jim will definitely be missed.
God Bless,
Robin (Perkins) Lynch
April 28, 2025
RIP jimmy. You will be missed. My thoughts and prayers to the family.
Sharon Clayton
April 28, 2025
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Frank Bozzo
April 28, 2025
loved knowing and working with Jim for so many years. He was one of the best Dispatchers that a cop could want to watch his back. I will miss his humor and the many meals he cooked for us at 3am. My condolences Donna to you and your family. Rest easy Jim, we have the watch from here!
Michele Bozzo
April 28, 2025
My prayers are with Donna and the family. He will be missed. Great man.
Carol Kirkpatrick
April 28, 2025
You will be greatly Missed
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