James E. Stephens

James “Jim” Edward Stephens, passed away on June 18, 2024 at age 91 in Martinsburg, West Virginia at WVU Berkeley Medical Center, surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor his legacy of love and kindness.

Jim grew up in Pickens County, South Carolina with his parents Olin (father) and Dora Leola (mother), brother Earl and sisters Willie Kate (Johnson), Violet (Gilstrap) and Ann (Rackley).

After the passing of their father, Jim and Earl joined the United States Air Force (USAF) to help support their mother. Jim went on to serve for over 20 years with a distinguished career in the USAF. His duties allowed him to travel to many corners of the world in peace time and at war. He was commended for actions and suggested innovations he made to help troubleshoot and repair aircraft during the height of the Cold War and Vietnam War.

After retirement, Jim continued his work as an electrician and also managed his own construction company. After an additional 23 years in these fields, Jim retired, once again. He then worked an additional 14 years in the electrical department at Lowes in Martinsburg, WV, before retiring for a third time. There was never a period where Jim remained idle.

Jim enjoyed time with family, travel, woodworking, playing the guitar, fishing, reading, crossword puzzles and aviation, which rubbed-off on his son Corey. Most of all, he loved his wife Bonnie, his kids and grandchildren. He and his wife Bonnie never had a date prior to getting married. They met on a bus in South Dakota, while he was on his way to be deployed to Guam during the Vietnam War and she was on her way to visit her sister in Denver. They exchanged addresses and wrote to each other while he was deployed. When he returned, they married. They have been married for 55 wonderful years.

Jim is survived by his wonderful wife Bonnie, son Corey Stephens (wife Stacy), son and daughter from a previous marriage James “Ed” Edward Stephens 2nd (wife Priss) and Glenna Stephens-Briner (husband Sean Gleason). His grandchildren are Heather Stephens, Benjamin Briner, Kathryn Thurow (husband Geoffrey) and Allison Kraft (husband Kurt). He also leaves 10 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. He is also survived by his sister Ann Rackley.

Visitation will be on June 27, 2024 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Rosedale Funeral Home. The Funeral service will be on June 28, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, followed by interment with full military honors at Rosedale Cemetery and a luncheon at noon back at St. Luke's.

The funeral service can be streamed from St. Luke's at:

https://youtube.com/live/1fl_qrtIg60?feature=share

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to DAV (Disabled American Veterans). Contributions can be in Jim’s name online at: www/dav.org and then click on “Honorary and Memorial Gifts” or by calling (877) 647-VETS (8387). You can make the donations in memory of TSgt James E Stephens.