James E. Stephens

  James E. Stephens 64, of Streator passed away Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at Ottawa Pavilion in Ottawa, Illinois.

  Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 A.M. Monday, November 13th at St. Michael the Archangel Parish Church, Streator.

  Visitation will be from 2-5 P.M. Sunday, November 12th at the Solon-Telford Funeral Home, Streator.

  Burial will be in St. Anthony Cemetery, Streator.  Pallbearers will be Nick Olson, Brock Armstrong, Dion Newby, Ryan Newby, Ethan Newby and Matthew Stephens.

  Born October 28, 1959 in Streator he was the son of Raymond and Marianne (Leonard) Stephens.  He married Laurie Mueller on January 26, 1980 at St. Anthony Church, Streator.

  He is survived by his wife, Laurie Stephens of Streator; daughters, Christina (Gabe Macias) Stephens of Streator, Jacque (John) Van Fleet of Yorkville, Michelle Stephens of Streator and Katie (Brandon) Himan of Streator; grandchildren, Abigail and Edison Macias; Evan, Noah and Caleb Van Fleet; Valerie and Adalynn Himan; sisters, Shari (Jeff) Armstrong of Streator and Darcy (Dion) Newby of Bloomington; a brother, Todd (Linda) Stephens of Streator; several nieces and nephews also survive.

  He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Michael Stephens; and a sister in infancy.

  Born and raised in Streator he attended St. Anthony School and graduated from Woodland High School in the class of 1977.  He later attended Illinois State University. 

  He served in the United States Army National Guard for 6 years.

  He worked through the years for Exelon (formerly Com Ed) in Operations and also in Outage Planning.

  He was a member of the former St. Anthony Church and currently belonged to St. Michael the Archangel Church.  He was also a member of the Msgr. George A. Dzuryo Knights of Columbus Council # 790.

  Jim was very involved in his children’s lives having coached all their sports throughout the years.  He was past-President of Streator Youth Softball and also served on the board.  He also served as Athletic Director for St. Anthony School for many years.

  He was an avid Chicago White Sox fan and loved wood working, model building (especially model tanks), carpentry and caring for his fish. 

  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother and will be dearly missed by his family.

  Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.solontelford.com

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