James R. Stephenson

JAMES R. STEPHENSON, 75, died Monday, January 13, 2003 at Union Hospital following surgery. Jim was born April 10, 1927 in Dover to the late Robert R. and Leah Wesley Stephenson. He graduated from the Ohio Military Institute and the University of Cincinnati School of Law. During World War II he served honorably with the U. S. Army.On March 16, 1946, Jim married the former Janet Bruckmann. Along with Janet, Jim was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in New Philadelphia. Jim was the third generation partner in the law firm of Stephenson, Stephenson & Carrothers in New Philadelphia, and was a member of the American, Ohio and Tuscarawas County bar associations. He was a founding member of both the Community Improvement Corps and the Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, Jim had been inducted into the Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame. He also served on the board for the Ohio State Department of Natural Resourses.In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by three daughters, Dr. Jane Stephenson of Kansas City, MO; Margaret Reda of Burton, OH and Laura Sherrets of Dayton; a brother, Richard L. (Ginny) Stephenson of New Philadelphia; and two grandchildren, Erin and Kyle Sherrets and two sisters-in-law, Erma Bruckmann and Dorlene Bruckmann Zust. Besides his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his five year old daughter, Nancy Emalee Stephenson.Visitation will be Thursday, January 16, 2003 from 5:00 to 9:00 PM, with the family present after 7:00 PM, in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home. The funeral service will be conducted Friday, January 17, 2003 at 2:00 PM in the funeral home with the Rev. Paul J. Johansen, rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Burial Park. Following the committal the family will host a reception in the Geib Family Center, adjacent to the funeral home. Contributions may be made to The Quaker Foundation, 303 Fourth St., NW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663 or to Trinity Episcopal Church, 122 Third St., NW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.