James 'Jim' Frank Stephens Jr.

BURGAW, N.C. - James "Jim" Frank Stephens Jr., 82, of Burgaw, N.C., passed away Monday, Aug. 10, 2009, at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. He was born in Crisfield, Md., on Sept. 21, 1926, the son of the late James Frank, Stephens Sr., and Madelene Nelson Stephens. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter in 1967, and a brother in 2000. Surviving are his devoted wife of 47 years, Eleanor Everett Stephens of the home; sister, Isabelle Stephens Mister of Crisfield, Md.; one brother, Paul Stephens (Anita) of Deal Island, Md.; sister-in-law, Patricia Tatum (Lee) of Burgaw; brother-in-law, John D. Everett of Burgaw; and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Stephens served in the U.S. Army during World War II, receiving several honors. He was past Seam Squirrel of Military Order of the Cooties in Silver Spring, Md., and member of the V.F.W. in Takoma Park, Md., and the American Legion in Crisfield, Md. He was a Mason, being a member of Kensington Lodge No. 198 A.F. & A.M. in Kensington, Md., since April of 1957 and the Atkinson Lodge No. 612 A.F. & A.M. He was a life member of Tall Cedars of Lebanon Montgomery Forest No. 134 in Rockville, Md. Mr. Stephens was a retired Master Journeyman-Wireman of Electrical Workers Local No. 26, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the National Electrical Workers of Washington, D.C. He received many awards for his dedicated and professional service in his chosen profession. Mr. Stephens was a true gentleman, respected and loved by all who knew him. He was a member and Deacon of Long Creek Baptist Church. Jim showed his love for the Lord in the Christian life that he lived. He always showed kindness to others and devoted his time and energy to the church, serving whenever and wherever he was needed. His love of nature and the outdoors was revealed in his manicured yard that he worked so hard in as long as he was physically able. His loved ones and many friends will miss him greatly and cherish his memory. The funeral service was conducted on Friday, Aug. 14, at Long Creek Baptist Church with The Reverend Wayne Bateman and The Rev. Dr. Wayne Dyer officiating. Internment followed in Malpass Memorial Cemetery at Long Creek Baptist Church. Casketbearers were Kimble Tatum, Michael Tatum, Kent Everett, Ted Maultsby, Charlie Stephens, Billy Mister, and Charles T. Smith, Sr. Honorary bearers were men of the Senior Adult Sunday School Class. Memorial gifts may be given to the Long Creek Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 5131 Malpass Corner Road, Burgaw, NC 28425. Condolences may be sent to www.quinnmcgowen.com. Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Burgaw.