James Walter Stephens Sr., age 83, of Lufkin, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on May 22, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on November 5, 1942, in Lufkin, Texas, to Walter Stephens and Irene Reinke. He was raised in Diboll, Texas, and attended Diboll ISD. He later served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and received an honorable discharge after two years of service. He worked as a mechanic for most of his life and retired from Temple Inland in Diboll, Texas, with over 30 years of service.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He was an outdoorsman and had many hobbies over the years, the most recent of which included hunting, fishing, gardening, and flying model airplanes. He enjoyed spending time with his family and watching sports or the news.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Bonnie Morris Stephens; his children, Lawanda Riojas, James Stephens Jr., and Stacey Stephens; and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A graveside funeral service will be held at Ryan Chapel Cemetery in Diboll on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.