James R. Stephens Obituary (1945 - 2015)

James R. Stephens, 70, of Bloomington, passed away at 4:50 p.m., Thursday, July 30, 2015 at Danville VA Illiana Healthcare System in Danville with family by his side.His graveside service will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 7, 2015 at Sunny Slope Cemetery in Saunemin with military rites accorded by the Forrest American Legion. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m., Thursday, August 6 at Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington.Memorials may be made to Wounded Warriors Project, Alzheimers Association or the charity of the donors choice.Jim was born on July 4, 1945 in Fairbury, the son of Raymond S. and Luella Waibel Stephens. He married Janet Sue Suzi Jones on August 5, 1972. She survives.He is also survived by a son, Jason R. Stephens of Bloomington; two grandchildren, Parker McCoy Stephens and Katie Endress; his mother, Luella Stephens of Fairbury, two sisters, Linda (Bill) Johnston of Bloomington and Lori (Chuck) Power of Fairbury; two brothers, Denny (Pam) Stephens of Fairbury and Duane (JeriNell) Stephens of Lees Summit, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his father and a son, Justin Stephens in 1993.Jim graduated from Forrest Township High School and went to work for Braniff Airlines in Kansas City, MO. He was a Vietnam veteran, serving as a combat engineer in the US Army. Jim was a lifetime member of both the Forrest American Legion and the Bloomington VFW. He was also a member of the McLean County Farm Bureau for many years. Jim farmed all of his life and worked for Trainor Grain and Hundman Lumber throughout his career.Jim was a loving man who will be forever missed by his family, friends and old buddies.