Jimmy "Jim" Ray Stephenson

Jim Ray Stephenson, age 61, of Rigby, died at his home Monday, December 25, 2006. He was under the care of Aspen Home Health and Hospice. Jim was born April 12, 1945 at Missoula, Montana a son of Floyd M. and Vina Bonnie Blyeu Stephenson. He lived in Missoula, Montana until his family moved to Idaho where He attended and graduated from the Gooding Deaf School. He then attended Idaho State University where he played basketball and lettered in it. He married Velma Ruth Peterson at Elko, Nevada April 12, 1991. He worked at Kraft Cheese factory in Blackfoot and for the Union at the I.N.E.L. as a construction worker. He enjoyed long drives, trips to California and Hawaii, his family and grandkids, fishing, horse races, and Nevada. He was known by family and friends as Crow or Big Jim. Jim is survived by his wife Velma R. Stephenson of Rigby, two daughters Lisa (Scott) Hansen of Iona, and Susan (James) Tabor of Ammon, one sister Penny (Mark) Gotch of Shelley, Idaho, and one brother Tom Haynes of Blackfoot, Idaho, 5 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. He is preceded by his parents, one brother Billy Haynes, and one sister Joann Hamblin Memorial services will be held on Saturday, December 30, 2006 at the Eckersell Memorial Chapel at 11:00 a.m. The family will visit with friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to Aspen Home Health and Hospice (3470 Washington Parkway, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83404).