Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Jim Stephens ~ Nov. 25, 1934 - Dec. 12, 2013

James “Jim”Lawrence Stephens
Nov. 25, 1934 - Dec. 12, 2013



The 50 Year Club lost a friend and very loyal member this month when fellow Mineral WellsHigh School alumnus Jim Stephens passed away Thursday, December 12. He was a very active participant in our club as well as the current Vice President of Mineral Wells Heritage Association, interested in preserving all the memories and memorabilia of our past for our future generagations.

If the Burro is any indication, Jim was a “star” on the Basketball Court. He lettered in basketball and football and was basketball captain in ’51 and ’52, belonging to the “M” Club his senior year. The “M” Club was organized for participants in the field of varsity sports “promoting fellowship, leadership, and sportsmanship among its members.” Lettermen in any of the sports sponsored by Mineral Wells High Schoolwere automatically made members. In Jim’s senior year of 1953, plans were made to take the Club on its annual fishing trip to Possum Kingdomin the spring. Jim served as Treasurer of the Club that year.

Born James Lawrence Stephens in Mineral Wells, Texashe was the son of Claude and Rachel Stephens and attended school here. After graduating from MWHS in 1953 he attended Texas A&M on a basketball scholarship before transferring to TexasA&I, where he played basketball and football, as well as serving in the ROTC. Jim graduated in 1958 with a Mechanical Engineering Degree from A&I and then left to serve in the United States Army Signal Corps where he reached the rank of Second Lieutenant. He also enjoyed playing basketball while serving in the Corp.

During his career he worked in the petroleum refining industry throughout Texasand Kansasand retired in 1997 when he and his wife, Helen, moved back to Mineral Wells. Helen is the former Helen Gernentz, whom he married on December 21, 1965. Jim and Helen became very active members of the Mineral Wells Heritage Association and members of the FirstBaptist Churchwhen they moved back. She and their sons, James Jr.; Wesley and wife, Neena; Keith and wife, Leigh; grandsons, Jackson and Marley; brother, Bill and wife, Carol; are joined by many other family members and friends who will be missing him this Christmas season. I understand he has a Labradornamed Shadow who was his most beloved friend who will miss him terribly. In fact, I know his face and his service will be missed by all of us from this day forward.


Executive Board Meeting
April 2010

Senior Basketball No. 30
Senior No. 30
Senior No. 30 - 2nd from Left


Senior Class Sgt. at Arms

"M" Club - Club Treasurer
Third Row - 3rd from Left




SOURCES:
MWHS 1953 BURRO, Property MWHS 50 Year Club


Funeral Services were at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16, 2013 at First BaptistChurch in Mineral Wells. Burial was at WoodlandPark Cemetery. Baum Carlock Bumgardner Funeral Home in Mineral Wells, Texas was in charge of arrangements, condolences may be left at www.bcbfuneralhome.com. Baum-Carlock-Bumgardner Funeral Home

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