James "Jim" Douglas Stevens

James Douglas “Jim” Stevens, 75, passed away on Monday, October 13, 2014, at Johnson City Medical Center after a brief illness.Jim was born in Flintville, TN in 1939 and moved with his family to Erwin in 1942 where his father was Superintendent at the United States National Fish Hatchery, now the Heritage Museum. He spent his high school years in Orangeburg, SC and graduated from East Tennessee State University in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science degree in History. He served in the United States Navy from 1962 – 1964 and then moved to Atlanta, GA where he resided for more than 30 years, working most of those years for the United States Small Business Administration. He retired in 1995 and moved with his wife back to Erwin.Jim served in many volunteer capacities during his life. He was a Boy Scout leader and a little league coach when his children were growing up. After retirement, he served as Chairman of the Unicoi County YMCA Board of Directors, President of the Unicoi County United Way, and served on the board for Unicoi County Clinchfield Senior Adult Center. He was an active Kiwanian and served as President of the Erwin Kiwanis Club and as Lt. Governor for Division 7 of the Kentucky-Tennessee District.Jim was a member and Past Master of Centennial Masonic Lodge 491 of Erwin, a 32nd degree member of the Scottish Rite, a member of the York Rite Masons, a member and Past President of the Unicoi Shrine Club, and a member of the Jericho Shrine Temple.Jim loved the east Tennessee mountain area and spent many happy hours walking the grounds of the Federal Fish Hatchery where he had grown up. He greatly anticipates that there will be mountains in heaven.Jim was a very active member of Erwin Presbyterian Church where he had served as an Elder and Sunday School Teacher.Jim was preceded in death by his parents Maurice and Virginia Wohlford Stevens. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Elizabeth (Betty) Washburn Stevens, three children, Kimberley McNabb and husband Nathan, James Douglas, Jr., Edmund and his wife Rebecca, three wonderful and deeply loved grandchildren Annabel, Hunter, and Tate McNabb, a twin brother Bob and his wife Elsie of Beaufort, SC. He also leaves brother-in-law Ed Washburn and wife Sharon, sister-in-law Patricia McGrane and husband Myles as well as four nieces, Ryan Salinetti, Annie Parker, Kate McGrane, and Mary Heyward Harper.The family would like to thank the Johnson City Medical Center Intensive Care Unit staff for their wonderful support and superior care.The family respectfully requests the honor of your presence as we honor and remember the life of James Douglas “Jim” Stevens. A committal service will be conducted at 12:30 PM, Thursday, October 16, 2014 in the Mausoleum Chapel of Evergreen Cemetery with Reverend Stanley Webster officiating. Masonic Services will be rendered by Centennial Lodge # 491 F & A.M., Erwin, TN with Brother Carlyle Love and Chaplain David Burgner officiating. A Celebration of Life will follow the committal service at 1:15 PM, Thursday, October 16, 2014 at Erwin Presbyterian Church with Reverend Stanley Webster officiating. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall of the church following the Celebration of Life Service. Those attending services are asked to meet at Evergreen Cemetery for the 12:30 PM services. Honorary Pallbearers will be the members of the Erwin Kiwanis Club.Memorials may be sent to Erwin Presbyterian Church., 105 N. Elm Avenue, Erwin, TN 37650.Condolences and memories may be shared with the family through our website at www.valleyfuneralhome.net. These arrangements are made especially for the family and friends of James Douglas “Jim” Stevens through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N. Main Ave., Erwin, TN, 423-743-9187.Read Obituary