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James Stephens Obituary
Dr. Stephens was born in Burlington, Iowa, on November 2nd, 1947. He graduated with a B.S. from Indiana University School of Business, a master of health from Indiana University School of Medicine and a doctor of health administration from Central Michigan University School of Health Science.
He began his healthcare executive career as assistant hospital director at the University of Kentucky Medical Center. He was chief executive officer of Hardin Memorial Hospital, executive vice president and chief operator of Spohn Hospital and president and CEO of St. John's Health System.
He was a Fellow and board-certified by the American College of Healthcare Executives and also a Fellow in the International Rotary organization and the Jiann Ping Hsu College of Public Health.
He began his academic career as an assistant professor at the University of Indianapolis and Ohio University. He was a tenured professor at Georgia Southern University for 13 years and was the founding program director of the Master of Healthcare Administration Program.
Dr. Stephens was preceded in death by his parents, Lindsay and Mary Catherine Stephens; and his brothers, Richard Stephens and Mark Stephens.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Linda Stephens; his sons, Robert (Carolyn) Stephens, Craig (Natasha) Stephens and Eric (Rosanna) Stephens; his grandchildren, Emily and Wolf; his sister, Linda (Markus) Pritchard; his sisters-in-law, Cheryl and Cindy Stephens; as well as several cousins and nieces and nephews.
A mass of Christian burial will be announced in a following obituary once scheduled.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Matthew Catholic Church, 221 John Paul Avenue, Statesboro, GA 30458.
Friends may sign the online register book at www.joineranderson.com.
Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home & Crematory of Statesboro is in charge of arrangements.
Statesboro Herald, February 5, 2021
Sign the Legacy online guestbook at www.statesboroherald.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Stephens
Linda Ekperi
April 12, 2021
Mrs. Stephens,
Please accept my delayed condolences as I was just informed of Dr. Stephens passing. I am still in shock and my heart is heavy along with many others as he meant so much to so many people. Dr. Stephens
was a great Champion, a highly respected mentor, advisor and friend. He supported his students and was always knowledgeable, approachable and fair. He will be sincerely missed, but what brings me some comfort is that his legacy will live on through his many contributions to healthcare and public health. I learned a lot from him over the years and I will always remember to pay it forward, as he so eloquently taught me. Although Dr. Stephens is gone, he will never be forgotten. His presence will always be felt in the halls of JPHCOPH and on the campus of GSU. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Peace & Blessings,
DEBORAH NEWMAN
February 12, 2021
Mary Linda,
Saddened to learn of the passing of James. May you find strength and peace during this challenging time. Newman, me and Alexander will always have fond memories of the journey we shared during your time in Anderson. Sending condolences to you, the children and family.
Gloria Iwunwa
February 12, 2021
I am so sorry to hear about Dr. Stephens' demise. He was a great guide for my career in Public Health and I am thankful for his impact on my education.
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
All my best wishes and prayers.
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Rita Nicholson
February 12, 2021
Mary Linda, I was saddened to learn of James death. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Rita Nicholson Anderson, In.
Jill Brazell
February 9, 2021
Mary Linda:
I am so sad to hear of the loss of Dr. Stephens. He was a wonderful professor and a great mentor. I am so thankful my path crossed with his. My dad and I share great memories of his laughter and stories; we are so lucky to have known him. We will continue to pray for you and your family through this difficult time.
Christian Flathman
February 5, 2021
Mary Linda,
I was sad to learn of this news. My condolences on the passing of your husband. I truly enjoyed getting to know him not only while we both worked at Georgia Southern, but as your neighbor in Myrtle Crossing.
He was nothing but kind to me and sincerely appreciated his views, advice and perspective. I especially enjoyed our conversations in the street and also those neighborhood meetings.
Prayers for you and your wonderful family.
Paul Clippinger
February 5, 2021
Mary Linda,
We were so sorry to hear of the passing of James. He was always so kind to us.
I remember many adventures with your husband. He was always the life of the party.
You and your family are in our prayers.
Paul and Lita Clippinger
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Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home & Crematory - Statesboro502 Miller Street Ext., Statesboro, GA 30458
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