James Gary Stephenson

February 19, 1946 – January 10, 2020

Jim passed away Jan. 10, 2020, at Medical Center of the Rockies Hospital after more than three years battling Multiple Myeloma. He was born in Cleveland, Tenn. His mother was Parkie Johnson Stephenson and his father is Alvin E. Stephenson, Chattanooga, Tenn.

Jim’s wife is Elizabeth J. Stephenson, of Berthoud, son Dana W, (Miriam), Wellington, Colo., brother Allan M. Stephenson, Rome, Ga.

Jim grew up in Calhoun and Chattanooga, Tenn. Graduated from Tyner High School in 1964. Graduated from Hiwasse College in Madisonville, Tenn., and attended Tennessee Tech after his military career.

Jim served four years in the United States Air Force. He trained at Lowry Air Force Base in Aurora, Colo., and worked in the Jet Propulsion Lab at Edwards Air Force Base in California. He worked with missiles and exotic fuels.

Near the end of his enlistment he learned to weld, a skill that led to a lifelong career. He worked briefly for Southern Railway in Tennessee. Later began pipeline welding in Colorado, outfitting his own rig and eventually traveling to jobs throughout the United States welding or inspecting.

He loved the work and the travel. He was proud of his skill and eagerly passed his knowledge to others. He made many lifelong friends.

He married Elizabeth Conley June 14, 2014, in Fort Lupton. He was a member of Fourway Baptist Church and American Legion Post 180 in Keenesburg, He was proud of his military service and loved to attend his church and Sunday School when he was able. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, his son Dana, brother Allan and his father Alvin. He will be sadly missed by many cousins, two nieces and a nephew.

Funeral service will be Saturday, Jan 18 at Fourway Baptist Church, 9966 Weld County Road 41, Ft. Lupton, Colo. Viewing at 10 a.m., service at 11 a.m. Internment in Calhoun, Tenn.