It is with grieving hearts that we announce the death of James Russell Stephens, known by all as "Jim," on October 29, 2022, in Louisville, KY.  Jim suffered a Thalamic stroke on October 1 in his newly settled home in Eminence, KY.

Jim, born and raised in Cynthiana, KY, lived most of his life with his beloved wife, Susan, in Mt. Sterling, KY.  There Jim raised a family and served his community in many roles, including as Deacon and Elder for The First Christian Church and Chair of the church's History Committee.  He also served on the Property Ordinance Committee of Mt. Sterling for several years.

Jim graduated from Transylvania University in Lexington, KY, and later served on the Alumni Committee.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Marines, where he served as an Officer during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

During his career, Jim worked for AO Smith Corporation and Rainier and Associates, and finished his career with a years-long position as Administrator of the Windsor Care Nursing Home where he was loved and respected by employees and residents alike.

Jim was the handiest of all "handymans" and loved taking care of his and Susan's inviting homestead on Clay Street where friends and family spent countless hours enjoying the important things in life.  He loved tennis and played through his late 70s with several regular "opponents" who became dear friends.

Before his stroke, Jim lived independently, delivered medicine for his son's pharmacy, weekly watched his grandchildren playing sports, and drove or flew to visit his daughters in Chicago and Washington D.C. without a second thought.  His positive outlook was almost unstoppable, his faith strong, and he was a model to us all for seizing the moments of life wholeheartedly.

Jim was proceeded in death by his wife Susan Miller Stephens, his parents Russell and Marie Stephens, and his brother Daniel Stephens.  He is survived by his sister Susan Lemons and her husband Greg; son Drane Stephens and his wife Lisa; daughter Patton Stephens and her husband Raj Chawla; son Scott Stephens and his wife Laura; daughter Bess Beyer and her husband Jason; and grandchildren, Mac, Faith, Gabe, Taylor, Morgan, Grant, Leena, Keva, Rebecca, Miller, Jimmy, Josie, CJ, Ashton, and Lydia; and great-grandchild, Wren.

Services will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at The First Christian Church in Mt. Sterling, KY (222 West Main Street):  Visitation 10:00 – 12:00, Service 12:00, Luncheon immediately following service.  The burial will also be held on November 5, after the luncheon, at Battle Grove Cemetery, 531 East Pike Street, Cynthiana, KY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim's honor to The First Christian Church (222 West Main Street, Mt. Sterling, KY, 859.498.2900) or to Transylvania University (options for giving at www.transy.edu/giving).