James “Jim” Melvin Stephenson, Jr., died peacefully on Monday, May 21, 2012.
He was born on July 14, 1928, to James Melvin Stephenson, Sr., and Ruby Barham Stephenson in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Jim’s younger years were spent in Chattanooga, but as a teenager, he moved with his family to Ft. Myers, Florida, where he graduated from high school in 1946. After the brief pursuit of a career in professional baseball ended with an injury, he traveled to Chicago to study electronics at the Coyne Electrical School. He then returned to Chattanooga where he married Yvonne Stone.
He was a founding partner of Power Distributors Supply Corporation which expanded to multiple locations throughout Tennessee. He always spoke fondly of his customers.
Jim proudly served for 20 years in the Army National Guard and retired in 1968 as master sergeant.
He enjoyed golf and was very active in the Chattanooga District Senior Olympics. He participated in district, state, and national competitions for many years.
Jim and Yvonne were long-time members of First Baptist Church, Golden Gateway and the Waters Sunday School Class.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife Yvonne Stephenson; son, Alan Stephenson and wife Donna of Nashville; grandsons, Reed Stephenson of Atlanta; and Ben Stephenson and wife Kara of Nashville; and one great granddaughter, Pace Elisabeth Stephenson of Atlanta; several nieces and nephews and a special thanks to his sister-in-law, Nadine Eaton and husband Horace and nephew, Steve Lowery for their loving support.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Betty Quattlebaum.
The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday and 12-1 p.m. on Thursday at the North Chapel.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday at the North Chapel. Burial will follow in Chattanooga National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s name to First Baptist Church, Golden Gateway, 401 Gateway Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37403 or Hospice of Chattanooga, P.O. Box 19269, Chattanooga, TN 37416.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga funeral Home, Crematory and florist, 5401 Hwy 153, Hixson, TN. 37343 Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.