James Harvey 'Jim' Stephenson

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[James Harvey "Jim" Stephenson, 85, passed away at his residence Saturday morning, Aug. 9, 2008.

Jim was born June 27, 1923, to James and Elsie Stephenson in West End. Jim was a long-time resident of Stonefort.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James and Elsie Stephenson; six brothers, George, Louis, Leonard, Foice, Carl and Eugene; and two sisters, Golda Bowers and Nora Stephenson.

He was also preceded by a special niece, Tracy; a special nephew, Tammy; and a great-granddaughter, Shailee Rain Maxwell.

Jim is survived by his wife, Mary; his son, Carl (Roberta) of Harrisburg; and a grandson, Jay Stephenson of Harrisburg. Jim is also survived by stepsons, Jerry Winters (Geraldine) of Carrier Mills, Steven Winters of Wasson and Tony Winters of Harrisburg; stepdaughters, Rosemary Thornton (Troy) of Huntington, Tenn., Paula Pickering of Harrisburg, Kristie Friend (Nick Turner) of West Frankfort; seven stepgrandchildren; seven great-stepgrandchildren; and one sister-in-law, Betty Lindley of East Alton.

Jim and Mary celebrated 15 years together. They enjoyed many things together, especially being with family and friends, playing music, singing and western dancing.

Jim was a World War II veteran, a member of the United States Army, 485th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion. Jim was stationed in the Philippines and was awarded several medals, including two Bronze Stars.

Jim worked most of his life in the Southern Illinois area, mostly driving trucks for several small trucking outfits. He was also a well known carpenter in the area. Jim was a talented wood workers and a talented metal worker.

Services will be officiated through Sloan Funeral Home in Galatia. There will be a graveside service at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008, at Little Saline Cemetery in Stonefort.