Dr. James Vernon Stephens, Jr., passed away peacefully at 10:05 AM on Thursday, March 26, 2015 at the age of 76. He was born in Lovelady, Texas on September 10, 1938 to James Vernon Stephens, Sr. and Delorece Wills. Dr. Stephens was known affectionately to friends and family as "Doc". He graduated from Milby High School in Houston, Texas, earned a Pre-Dental Degree from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in 1966. He also served as a Captain in the United States Air Force from 1966 to 1968. After his service in the Air Force, he and his family eventually settled in Plano, Texas, where he had a thriving practice for 34 years. Dr. Stephens was a member of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, Dallas County Dental Association, and he was a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry. While attending The University of Texas, he met and married his wife, Carla Van Baxter Stephens, and they remained in a loving marriage for 53 years. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and dedicated professional, who also taught in the field of dentistry for brief periods. In his spare time, he loved to hunt and fish, and later in life became a talented woodworker. Throughout his life he was a genuine and compassionate man who enjoyed his family and doted on his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Carla of Parker, Texas; sons, Wes Stephens of Brownwood, Texas; Van Stephens and wife Kim of Little Elm, Texas; daughter, Michele Stephens Charless and husband Trey of Prosper, Texas; three grandchildren, that he lovingly adored, Kaitlyn Stephens of Dallas, Texas; Elise Charless of Prosper, Texas; Will Charless of Prosper, Texas; sister, Judith Maus of Richmond, Texas; niece, Kelli Appelbaum of Parker, Colorado; nephew, Kevin Maus of Shamong, New Jersey; grand-dogs, Pebbles, Jake and Gigi.
Dr. Stephens was preceded in death by his parents, James and Delorece Stephens.
He will be missed immensely by his family and friends, and he will live on in the hearts and minds of those who knew him and loved him.
At his request, as well as in accordance with the wishes of his family, there will not be a funeral or memorial service. His life will be celebrated at a later date with friends and family, as he had preferred.
If preferred, memorials may be made to the Stroke Center – Dallas, 5500 Southwestern Medical Ave., Dallas, Texas 75235.