James Robert Stephens

James “Jim” Robert Stephens, 94, of Carthage, went to his heavenly home on Monday, January 13th, 2025, at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital surrounded by family.

Jim was born May 26th, 1930, in Hornell, NY to the late William B. and Wilma Bennett Stephens. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife Elaine Zimmerman Stephens; his brother, Donald Stephens; and his granddaughter, Sherry Rose.

Jim resided in Siler City from 1967 to 2000. He then moved to Carthage and lived there the remainder of his life. He was the treasurer and secretary for the Siler-Rand Bowling Association for 30 years. He was a member of St. Julia’s Catholic Parrish and then The Sacred Heart Parrish in Pinehurst. Jim was a scout master for BSA Troop 924 and Troop 900. Among his many other associations, he was also a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also a charter member of Siler City Moose Lodge where he was the accountant for the lodge. Jim was also a Navy Veteran of the Korean War having served on the USS Chauncey. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Navy Occupation Service Medal “E”, the Korean Service Medal “S”, and the United Nations Service Medal. He was a Disbursing Clerk Petty Officer 2nd Class when he left the Navy. In Jim’s free time, he loved to play golf and go bowling. He bowled on Monday and Thursdays and traveled to many bowling tournaments around the Southeast region. He also enjoyed crossword puzzles, fishing, traveling, camping, hiking, and playing softball. Most of all, Jim loved spending time with his family traveling making memories that he forever cherished.

Left to cherish Jim’s memory are his three sons, Mark Stephens and his wife, Donna Sue of Carthage, NC; Brian Stephens and his wife, Teresa Fannin of Dade City, FL; and David Stephens and his wife, Son OK of Knightdale, NC; his two daughters, Theresa Stephens of Carthage, NC, and Judith Lilley and her husband, Gary of Carthage, NC; eight grandchildren; and thirteen great grandchildren. They all will miss him dearly.

Funeral mass for Jim will be held on Monday, January 20th, 2025, at 10 am, at St. Julia’s Catholic Parrish in Siler City. Visitation will be Sunday evening, January 19th, 2025, from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm, at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home. Burial will follow the service Monday at Chatham Memorial Park with the Randolph Honor Guard assisting. Services will be officiated by Father Tim Lyons OSM CONV.

Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society, https://donate.cancer.org 

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home will be assisting the Stephens family.

Online condolences can be made at www.smithbucknerfh.com