James Virgle Stevens

James Virgle Stevens, 88, of Sunset, passed away peacefully on February 16th, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Family will receive friends at the White Family Funeral Home in Bowie, Texas, on Friday, February 27th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Funeral service will take place at Alvord First Baptist Church on Saturday, February 28th, at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Ken Hering officiating.

Burial will follow at Sunset Cemetery in Sunset, Texas, with Mike Stevens, Chris Lovell, Justin Shaffer, Andrew Stevens, Miles Shaffer, Colton Shaffer, and Josue Hernandez serving as pallbearers.

James was born in Hopkins County on December 20, 1937, to Eliga Delbert and Della Irene (Simpson) Stevens. He attended North Hopkins High School, where he excelled as an athlete. He played volleyball and softball, served as co-captain of the basketball team, and was a member of the track team. He was also a member of the North Hopkins FFA Chapter.

James retired from ABF Freight after more than 40 years of dedicated service. He was a man of responsibility, wisdom, kindness, and generosity, known for his sense of humor and his love of the outdoors and nature. Above all, he deeply loved and adored his family. As a patriarch and role model, he was always taking care of others. His memory will live on forever, and he will never be forgotten.

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." – Romans 8:38–39

He was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife of 65 years, Martha Linda Stevens; his father, Eliga Delbert Stevens; his mother, Della Irene Simpson Stevens; his brothers, Weldon Stevens, Wendell Stevens, Rayford Stevens, and Derrell Stevens; and his son-in-law, Dean Shaffer.

James is survived by his sister, Edith Lynn Jones, and her husband, Dick Jones; his daughter, Donna Lovell; his son, Michael Stevens, and his wife, Becky; and his daughter, Christal Shaffer. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren: Chris Lovell, Justin Shaffer and his wife, Kayla, Miles Shaffer, Andrew Stevens and his wife, Sutton, and Ainsley Hernandez and her husband, Josue.

His great-grandchildren include Kayden Mack and her husband, Nathan, Cooper Lovell, Colton Shaffer and his wife, Peyton, Jaid Shaffer, Remi Shaffer, Briggs Stevens, Watts Stevens, Hutch Stevens, Justice Hernandez, and Maverick Hernandez; and his great-great-grandson, Colter Dean Shaffer. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie, TX.