James M. Stephenson

Mr. James Marrell Stephenson, was born January 23, 1957, to the late Easter Lee Stephenson and Claudester White Stephenson in Columbus, MS.

In his early years, James showcased his love for all things automobiles by building tractors with his grandfather “Papa Joe” and tapping into his athletic ability by playing football at New Hope High School in the Lowndes County School District.

In 1977 and after high school, James enlisted in the United States Army where he earned badges for expert rifle skills, marksman (hand grenade), mechanic’s badge, and a good conduct medal. After his honorable discharge from the United States Army in 1982, he moved to Indianapolis, IN and shortly began working as a laborer with Smock Fansler Corp in 1985. With Smock, he spent 11 years as a member of the Laborers Union Local 120 working on construction projects around the city of Indianapolis and surrounding municipalities. IN 1996, he earned his Class A CLD license and became a Teamster. He finished the remaining 22 years of his tenure with Smock Fansler Corp as a skilled truck driver and machinery operator. His service with the company totaled 33 years before he retired in 2018.

James was a loving and kind father, brother, grandfather, and uncle. His generosity unmatched, and personality unique to all. His love for cars was known to many as he collected and sold several vintage muscle cars and motorcycles over the years.

James departed this life Saturday, September 13, 2025, at St. Vincent Hospital Ascension in Indianapolis, IN. He was preceded in death by his parents Easter Lee Stephenson and Claudester White Stephenson, brother Carl White, and sister Pamela Stephenson.

His beautiful memories will be cherished in the lives of his daughter: Monica Stephenson, grandson Zachary Hill; sisters Amanda Butler (Wiley), Ozella Bradley (Lester), Billie Sue Bradley, Anita Harris (Muwango), and Wyzetta Stephenson; brothers Bennie Stephenson (Vickie), Oswald Stephenson (Carrie), Lynn Stephenson (Janene), and Tony Stephenson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

“And the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it”

Ecclesiates 12:7