James Stephens

Stephens, James Russell Sr. “Rebel”, 73, passed away Friday, April 18, 2014. He was born July 2, 1940 to Oren and Meridith (Bryant) Stephens in Independence, MO. James retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1977 after 20 years of years and then worked in civil service for an additional 20 years. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and American Legion and was a Patriot Guard Rider. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Justin Thompson; 3 brothers; and 1 sister. James is survived by his wife, Sharon; children, Erin (Tim) Sheridan, Christina Stephens, and James (Ericka) Stephens, Jr.; grandchildren, Jessica Akin, Nathan Thompson, James Stephens, III, Jeff Stephens, Brandon Thompson, Caitlin Sheridan, Megan Shackleford, Tyler Sheridan, Thaddeus Alexander, C.J. Shackleford, Emily Stephens, Stephen Dennis, and Allison Stephens; 11 great-grandchildren; 1 brother; and 5 sisters. Visitation: Monday, from 1 to 8 pm with family present between 5 and 7 pm at Smith Family Mortuary, 1415 N. Rock Road, Derby, KS 67037. Funeral: 10 am, Tuesday, April 22, 2014 at West Side United Methodist Church, 1313 W. Lydia St., Wichita, KS 67213. Interment to follow at Dunlap Cemetery in Rose Hill. Memorial contributions may be made to Union Rescue Mission, 2800 N. Hillside St., Wichita, KS 67219.