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James Stevenson Obituary
June 15, 1932 - February 12, 2022
Jim grew up in Wellington, Texas, a small Panhandle town where everybody knew everybody else. He met his wife, Janice Dawkins, at Texas Tech in Lubbock, where he received his degree in Mechanical Engineering. He joined the US Navy and the couple moved to San Diego. After the Navy, Jim got a job at Hughes Aircraft in Tucson in 1957.
He was an involved dad, driving his children to their choir and band practices, and church commitments. His children have great memories of him driving up to Mount Lemmon, sliding around in the station wagon, so they could go tobogganing. Jim loved the outdoors, and he taught the kids how to fish, make campfires and appreciate being out in the woods. They knew to come home when they heard the unique sound of his whistle.
After retiring, Jim and Jan moved to the foothills. He sang with the Tucson Barbershop Experience and joined the Monday Morning Milers hiking group, finding friends who shaped his life for the next 20 years. He made trips to Switzerland with them, some of the highlights of his life. Jim hung up his hiking boots when he turned 80.
Jim and Jan eventually moved to a retirement facility, and Jan died in 2017. He met his companion, Evelyn, and lost his loneliness to love. Jim kept his sweet, kind nature to the very end and no one failed to notice that. He is survived by his children, Jeana Stevenson (Bob Rantz), David Stevenson, and Wayne Stevenson (Amy Mason), four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
A very special thanks to the wonderful staff at Atria Compana del Rio and Peppi's House. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Peppi's House.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Stevenson
2 Entries
Diana Butler Parker
February 22, 2022
Jeana, David and Wayne, your Texas cousins are mourning the loss of your father, who was a sweet and gentle soul. Uncle Jim, aka Uncle Buddy, was full of kindness, grace and good humor. He will be missed.
Eva Pharr Dawkins
February 18, 2022
Just learned of the death of Steve from his daughter, Jeanna, I am so sorry, and send my deepest sympathy to the children. He was a very true "Southern" gentleman. I would enjoy hearing from any of the family.
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