James Derwin Stephens

James Stephens, 82, passed away Monday, January 15, 2024. He was born in Albuquerque, N.M. to Derwin and Lillian Stephens. After moving to El Paso, James graduated from Gadsden High School and Texas Western College earning a Bachelor of Business Administration. Realizing that education was his passion, he returned to UTEP to earn a Master of Education with administrator certification. James worked as a teacher, coach and administrator in SISD and EPISD for 40 years. He was the principal of Park Elementary, Canyon Hills Middle, Bassett Middle, and Morehead Middle Schools. In 1995 he received the distinguished TASSP Texas Middle School Principle of the Year award. James was a friend and mentor to thousands of students, teachers, and fellow administrators.

James was a natural athlete, and he excelled at every sport he played. His favorite sport was golf, and he won many tournaments over the years. He also loved to travel, and he and his wife visited all 50 states and numerous foreign countries. His love for animals was unprecedented, and he brought home many strays and cared for them. James loved his family more than anything, and he worked hard to create a sanctuary at home for them.

James is survived by his wife of 44 years, Cecilia (Cecee), children Greg (Lisa), Lisa (Darren), Brett (Annette), and Lane, and six grandchildren, including Brooklyn Stephens and Stella Stephens of El Paso, and three great-grandchildren.

Services will be held January 26, 2024 at Hillcrest Funeral Home West. Visitation is at 9 a.m., and services are at 11 a.m., followed by Internment at Memory Gardens of the Valley.