James Joel Stephens, deacon with the North Sheridan church, Tulsa, Okla., passed away July 8.

Joel, 70, retired 1996 from American Airlines after 30 years. He served in the U.S. Air Force.

He was born Jan. 29, 1938 in Lewisburg, Tenn.

Joel is survived by his wife Lyn; their children Kelly Bradley, Kim Score and her husband Ken, Gary Geiger, James Stephens II and his wife Tonya; grandchildren Kris and Nick Score, Katy and Mike Spouse, Emily and Ashley Bradley, Trey (James III) and Trent Stephens, Tayler and Kaitlyn Geiger; sisters Ola Dare Jiles and her husband Ray, Alice Riggs and her husband Roy; a brother Boyd Stephens and his wife Sheri, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, countless friends and a loving church family.

He was preceded in death by his parents Herman and Babe Stephens and his first wife Kay.

His funeral was held Friday, July 11, at the North Sheridan church building, with Tim Luster and Bob Owen officiating. Music was provided by the congregational chorus.

Interment was at Floral Haven Memorial Gardens, Garden of St. Paul.

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