James Stevens
12/26/1937 - 4/5/2010

James Stevens, affectionately known by family and friends as, “Steve”, Big Steve”, “Papa Steve” and “Tu” was born on December 26, 1937 in Jackson, South Carolina (Aiken County) to Wesley Stevens and Pearlie Mae Jones. Steve joined the United States Air Force in 1956. He served in the Air Force until 1964. His duty stations included Guam, England, New Mexico, Alaska and Montana.  It was while stationed in England that Steve met and married his wife of 51 years, Joan Deane Stevens. Steve left his military service in the United States Air Force in 1964 and in 1965 he joined the United States Navy. Steve served onboard the USS Ranger (CVA 61). Steve retired from the USS Ranger on November 17, 1975 as a Hull Technician Petty Officer 1st Class.  After his military service, Steve worked as a pipe fitter for a short period of time at NASSCO San Diego. He was then employed as the Resident Office in Charge of construction of (ROICC) at the Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado, CA.  Steve retired from Civil Service in 1998.

 

Steve was an active member of the 9th & 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association, San Diego Chapter Buffalo Soldiers, American Legion Post 310 and VFW. He loved serving his Country and his community and was a friend to everyone he met.

 

Steve is survived by his wife of 51 years, Joan of San Diego, CA; two sons, James Michael Stevens (Letisha), San Diego, CA; David Anthony Stevens (Sandra), San Diego, CA; daughter, Sheri Kim Stevens-Parker (Tyrone) Murrieta, CA, grandchildren Matthew Stevens, Tyler Stevens, Kristen Stevens, Kristin Parker, Thomas Stevens and Briana Stevens; aunt Elizabeth Spells of Philadelphia, PA and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews in South Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Melvin Stevens and Ordis (Sam) Stevens.