James "Jim" Frank Stephens, Jr., 82, of Burgaw, N.C., passed away Monday, August 10, 2009, at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

He was born in Crisfield, Maryland, on September 21, 1926, the son of the late James Frank, Stephens, Sr., and Madelene Nelson Stephens. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter in 1967 and a brother in 2000.

Surviving are his devoted wife of 47 years, Eleanor Everett Stephens of the home; sister, Isabelle Stephens Mister of Crisfield, Maryland; one brother, Paul Stephens (Anita) of Deal Island, Maryland; sister-in-law, Patricia Tatum (Lee) of Burgaw; brother-in-law, John D. Everett of Burgaw; and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Stephens served in the US Army during World War II, receiving several honors. He was past Seam Squirrel of Military Order of the Cooties in Silver Spring, Maryland and member of the V.F.W. in Takoma Park, Maryland and the American Legion in Crisfield, Maryland.

He was a Mason, being a member of Kensington Lodge No. 198 A.F. & A.M. in Kensington, Maryland since April of 1957 and the Atkinson Lodge No. 612 A.F. & A.M. He was a life member of Tall Cedars of Lebanon Montgomery Forest No. 134 in Rockville, Maryland.

Mr. Stephens was a retired Master Journeyman-Wireman of Electrical Workers Local No. 26, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the National Electrical Workers of Washington, D.C. He received many awards for his dedicated and professional service in his chosen profession.

Mr. Stephens was a true gentleman, respected and loved by all who knew him. He was a member and Deacon of Long Creek Baptist Church. Jim showed his love for the Lord in the Christian life that he lived. He always showed kindness to others and devoted his time and energy to the church, serving whenever and wherever he was needed. His love of nature and the outdoors was revealed in his manicured yard that he worked so hard in as long as he was physically able. His loved ones and many friends will miss him greatly and cherish his memory.

The funeral service will be conducted on Friday, August 14, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. at Long Creek Baptist Church with The Reverend Wayne Bateman and The Rev. Dr. Wayne Dyer officiating.

Internment will follow in Malpass Memorial Cemetery at Long Creek Baptist Church. Casketbearers will be Kimble Tatum, Michael Tatum, Kent Everett, Ted Maultsby, Charlie Stephens, Billy Mister, and Charles T. Smith, Sr. Honorary bearers will be men of the Senior Adult Sunday School Class.

Masonic rites will be accorded by Atkinson Lodge No. 612 A.F. & A.M.

Military honors will be accorded by American Legion Post No. 10 Honor Guard.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2009, at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home in Burgaw.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Long Creek Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 5131 Malpass Corner Road, Burgaw, NC 28425.

Condolences may be sent to www.quinnmcgowen,.com.

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Burgaw.