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Obituaries

Age 80, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at Wellbridge of Pinckney. He was born July 19, 1943 in Manistee, Michigan, the son of Joseph A. and Alice B. (Swanson) Stevens.

Jim graduated from Buckley High School in 1961, and then served in the United States Air Force from 1961-1965, in Italy and Crete. He earned his Bachelors Degree from Owosso Bible College. Jim and Judy fostered 32 boys between 1965-1980. He was very involved with serving within the Church of the Nazarene. He served as youth pastor from 1972-1974, at the Lansing South Church of the Nazarene and was a Sunday School teacher over the years in many locations. He later attended Chapman Memorial Church in Vicksburg, and most recently was a member of the Chelsea Church of the Nazarene. Starting in 1974, Jim worked for the Federal Prison System in: Marion, Illinois; Oxford, Wisconsin, Lake Placid, New York; Oakdale, Louisiana, and retired as a Safety Manager in Milan, Michigan. 

On July 10, 1965, he married Judy Brenner in Perry, Michigan, and she survives. Other survivors include his son, Jeff (Anne) Stevens of Lowell; his daughter, JoEllen (Matthew) Barnes of Chelsea; three grandchildren, Blake, Sydney, and Sara Barnes; and his brother, Alan (Roberta) Stevens of Buckley; grand step-children, Tanner and Hunter; and 2 step-great granddaughters. He was preceded in death by a brother, Ed Stevens and sister, Joanne Wheeler.

Funeral services was held Friday, June 14, 2024, 11:00 am at Chelsea Church of the Nazarene, 12126 Jackson Road, Dexter MI 48130, with Rev. Jeff Crowder officiating. The family received friends Friday from 10-11 am.  Memorial contributions may be made to Chelsea Church of the Nazarene P.O. Box 389, Chelsea, Michigan 48118. Burial will be at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan on Monday, June 17, 2024 at 10 am. Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.

Click here to watch the recording of Jim's funeral

Or you can watch the video on the church's facebook pageChelsea Nazarene | Facebook 


You may use the form below to share a memory or leave a public message for Jim's family. Please allow 24hrs. for us to review and post your comment. 

Comments  

#4 Christel Brenner 2024-06-16 09:33
Uncle Jim was always up for a laugh and his hugs were simply magical. He always had time for small talk and could make anyone feel welcome in a crowd. I loved his sense of humor and his unending love for Jesus. Till we meet again, you have earned those wings and I know heaven is rejoicing.
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#3 Christina Reeder 2024-06-15 12:30
Judy and family my heart breaks for your loss. I have share your love story all the time. The day you and Jim told me how you met from a letter and hundreds of letters later he asked you to marry him. How he was struck by your beauty when he finally met you in person.
My heart breaks we couldn't be there to support your family. We were in the ER with our son all day. He's going to be ok just a bumpy road ahead. God bless you all and I'm praying for your hearts.
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#2 Clarice Brenner 2024-06-14 07:21
I appreciated the way Jim could go from joking to making a really profound comment about life. He was fun-loving but a very deep thinker and a wonderful Christian example! He was a real blessing to our family over the years!
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#1 Roxie Greenman 2024-06-12 16:10
Jim was always such a great cousin. I loved our many talks in person and on Facebook. I’m so sad he is gone but, I know he is happy in heaven and watching over his family! I love you Judy and prayers for you. I lost Jerry 3 years ago on the 12th. They are up there together!
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