James Stephens

James (Jim) Riley Stephens, age 71, of Russellville, died Monday, April 28, 2025, at Dardanelle Nursing and Rehabilitation. He was born August 25, 1953, in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Cornelius Riley Stephens Jr. and Grace Mozelle Glover Stephens.

Jim graduated from Greenbrier High school in 1971 and continued on to Arkansas Tech University pursuing a degree in business agriculture.

Jim joined the United States Navy in 1976 and served honorably as a storekeeper until 1980. Jim qualified on three separate submarines: the U.S.S. Tunney, the U.S.S. Grayling and the U.S.S. Tinosa.

Jim worked as a U.P.S. driver for over twenty-five years.

Jim was a member of Crow Mountain Baptist Church, serving in the role of deacon for over twenty years.

Jim especially loved cooking for the church and his family. Many fond memories were made through food with friends and family over the years.

Jim was a joy to be around and brightened up a room whenever he was in it. He had many people that became like family through the years that will continue to love and honor his memory. He knew and loved the Lord and was ready to enter into his inheritance in Heaven. He will be greatly missed, but only for a time because we will see him again.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two uncles and an aunt, Leroy and Martha Stephens and Bob Stephens; a cousin, Trish; his baby brother, John Stephens; and many beloved aunts, cousins and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sandra Kaye Hendrickson Stephens; his daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth Riley Stephens and Nicholas Michael Taurone; his granddaughter, Olivia Riley Taurone; his brother, Jerry Stephens; his sister, JoAnne Stephens Beasley; and his cousin, Karen Stephens.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, May 7, 2025, in the Shinn Chapel, with Deacon Josh Tankersley officiating. A private burial will be in Oakland Cemetery under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the chapel.

In lieu of flowers the family would prefer memorials be made to Crow Mountain Baptist Church, 1138 Crow Mountain Road, Russellville, AR, 72802.

Online guestbook and condolences available at www.shinnfuneral.com.