Obituary of James O. Stephens

James (Jim) Odell Stephens, 79, of Winter Haven, FL passed away on Sunday May 22, 2022 at Lakeland Regional Hospital in Lakeland, FL. 

Jim was born on July 22, 1942, in Miami, FL to J.O. Stephens and Louise Murphy. He was a Polk County resident for 64 yrs. After leaving school, he joined the Army. He was a proud veteran, serving in the United States Army 82nd Airborne Division. After serving in the Army, he worked as a boilermaker. He also owned his own lawn care business. 

Jim is preceded in death by his parents and 3 brothers, Otis, Reed, and Brian. 

Jim is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 55 years, Betty R. Stephens; daughter, Tina Keene (Ken); son John Stephens (Kristy); brother, John Grimsley (Jan); granddaughters, Renee Thompson, and Kristi Keene (Troy); grandson, Luke Keene; five great grandchildren; sister in law, Barbara Yolland; nieces, Angie Thomason (Robert), Darra Stephens, Jessica Hampton; nephews, Duran Stephens, and Lanis Stephens; great nieces, Taylor Thomason, and Tori Thomason. 

Jim was a simple man who enjoyed the simple things in life. He will be remembered for his love of fishing, grilling, and spending time with his family, friends, and church family. Jim loved the lord and was a devout Christian. He loved to make people laugh with all his jokes and stories. Anyone that knew Jim knew he had hundreds of them and always had one ready to tell. Jim was loved by so many, and he will be greatly missed.  

A visitation will be held on Friday. May 27 at 11:00 am at Central Assembly of God in Auburndale with services to follow at 12:00 pm. Interment immediately following at Auburndale Memorial Park in Auburndale, FL.