James "Jim" Sidney Stephens made the journey home to spend eternity with his heavenly father on December 29, 2024.

Jim was born on April 7, 1951 to M.A. "Steve" Stephens, Jr. and Imogene Stafford Stephens in Bogalusa, LA.  His family moved to Columbia, MS when he was a young boy. He attended school within the Columbia School District until transferring to St. Stanislaus High School for two years and where he graduated in 1969.

Jim then attended and graduated from Pearl River Community College with an Associate Degree in Drafting.  This is also where he met his wife, Patricia "Gail" Griffith Stephens.  They were married for 51 years, until her passing in 2022.  He then transferred to USM, where he earned a Batchelor's Degree.

The oil field provided his first "real" job, and he thrived working off shore for around 16 years.  After leaving the oil field, Jim and Gail bought a gas station and convenience store, Stephen's Country General Store in Sandy Hook, MS, and served that area for about three years.  After selling the store, he went to work for Foxworth Bank as a loan officer.  When Foxworth Bank was purchased by Trustmark National Bank, Jim continued working as a loan officer while attending the School of Banking at Ole Miss.  He was later named Vice President and Branch Manager of the Main Street branch where he remained until he retired.

As an adult, Jim loved being involved in his community and looked for opportunities to serve the youth.  Having earned his Eagle Scout and being a lifelong member of the Boy Scouts, he served as a Scout Master in Columbia, and later was a member of the Scout Review Board.  He also served as a youth leader at First United Methodist Church and as a Phi Kappa parent.

Professional community service included being a member of the Main Street Board, a member of the Kiwanis Club, a March of Dimes volunteer, and Commissioner of the Dean Griner Baseball Field.  In 1990, Jim Stephens was recognized by Junior Auxiliary of Columbia as their Citizen of the Year for his service.

Jim Stephens was preceded in death by his Wife, Gail Stephens, his Father, M.A. "Steve Stephens, Jr.; Mother, Imogene Stafford Stephens and Best Friend, Earl D. "Danny" McLean, III.

He is survived by his two Children, Amy S. Barber (Mitchell), Joseph Daniel "Dan" Stephens (Carla); four Grandchildren, Evan Brant Barber (Chloe), Ian Mitchell Barber, Daniel "Cort" Stephens (Gracey), Pryce Sydney Stephens; Best Friend, Joseph Josh "JJ" Haney; and three special dogs, Rosie, Scarlett and Luna.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the Columbia First United Methodist Church Sanctuary on  Monday, January 6 at noon.  Visitation will be in the sanctuary from 11:00 a.m. until noon.

Friends may sign an online guest register book at www.hathornfuneralhome.com