James “Jim” Milbre Stephens, a resident of Prosper, Texas, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on March 3, 2024, at the age of 85. He was born on November 30, 1938, to James Douglas Stephens and Mary Elizabeth (Falk) Stephens in Kansas City, Missouri.
Jim attended Southeast High School in Kansas City, Missouri. Upon graduation from Southeast in 1956, Jim was awarded a full scholarship to play football at William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri. In addition to football, Jim also excelled in track and boxing. Jim graduated from William Jewell in 1960 with a business degree.
Jim served his country proudly in the United States Marine Corps Reserves from 1958 to 1962, embodying the values of honor, courage, and commitment. He was fiercely patriotic and loved all that the United States of America stood for.
On October 14, 1961, he married the love of his life, MaryAna Buck in Overland Park, Kansas. Jim and MaryAna shared a lifetime together, beginning as friends in 8th grade, which was the start of their amazing love story. Together, they shared a lifetime of love, laughter, and cherished memories.
Professionally, Jim excelled as a broker in the food industry for many years, demonstrating his skill and dedication in every endeavor he pursued. Jim began his own food brokerage company, Food Sales Incorporated, which later merged into Food Sales Systems, Incorporated. After a long, successful career, Jim retired in 2002. In retirement he cherished time with his family, traveling the world, and playing golf. He would often comment that as long as he shot below his age, it was a win.
His faith was deeply significant to him and shaped much of the way he interacted with others. As a member of the Methodist church, Jim found strength in his spiritual community. Jim never met a stranger, having friends everywhere he went, from the donut shop and grocery store to his neighbors and golf buddies. He loved people well and was incredibly generous.
Above all, Jim treasured his family. He was not only a devoted husband to MaryAna but also a pillar of strength and a constant source of love and guidance to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Jim cherished every moment spent with his family, whether it was gathering around the dinner table to enjoy his famous barbeque ribs and grilled cheese, attending any and every event his grandchildren were involved in, embarking on memorable vacations, or simply sharing quiet moments of togetherness. His kindness, wisdom, support, and bright, unwavering smile will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, MaryAna Stephens of Prosper, Texas; daughter, Jami Stephens Posey and husband, Timothy of Tulsa, Oklahoma; son, Jon Stephens and wife, Kimberly of Celina, Texas; grandchildren, Sadie Casillas and husband, Bryan of Vicksburg, Mississippi, Tanner Smith and wife, Whitney of Little Rock, Arkansas, Slater Smith and wife, Lauren, also of Little Rock, Arkansas, Victoria Goodman and husband, David of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Jackson Smith and wife, Lauren of Rogers, Arkansas, Tatum Stephens of Frisco, Texas, Taylor Mast of Austin, Texas, Addie Smith of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and James Stephens of Celina, Texas; great-grandchildren, Isabela, Scout, Bear, Miles, and Remington; brother, Joe Stephens of Belton, Missouri; several nieces, nephews, and other loving family members and friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents James Douglas and Mary Elizabeth Stephens and his brother, Tom Stephens.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 8, 2024 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. Following the service, a procession will make its way to Ridgeview Memorial Park for a committal service. The family will receive friends during a visitation on Friday morning 30 minutes prior to the service.