James “Jim” Dewey Stephens

James “Jim” Dewey Stephens

Washington

James “Jim” Dewey Stephens passed away on July 15, 2022, after a sudden illness.

He was born on the farm east of Ainsworth on October 18, 1941, to Gene and Ethel (Martin) Stephens, after sisters Maureen and Kathy and brother Dave. His boyhood interests included hunting and designing inventions, such as miniature parachutes that he launched from the tops of grain bins.

Jim played football and was in the band at Ainsworth High School, playing the coronet in his football uniform during the halftime performance. Jim excelled as a distance runner and set several school track records. He graduated in 1959 and earned a Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarship to attend Iowa State University. He graduated ISU in 1963 with a degree in journalism, and was commissioned an ensign in the U.S. Navy.

Jim served aboard the USS Mount McKinley. He supported the landing of the Marines at Da Nang, the first major commitment of American forces to the Republic of Vietnam. After training in the Philippines for the newly established Riverine Force, Jim returned to Vietnam as skipper of PCF-13. He led his swift boat crew in combat and counterinsurgency operations throughout the Mekong Delta. He often spoke of his service and travel throughout Asia as one of the highlights of his life.

Jim returned to Ainsworth in 1966 and began dating Margaret (Peg) McKinstry, who had recently returned from dancing in Europe. They were married on September 2, 1967, in the Methodist Church in Washington. Jim served as news director of KBUR in Burlington, where daughter Leslie Nicole was born.

Jim accepted a job as a copywriter at the advertising agency CMS&Z in Cedar Rapids. He next worked as an account manager at Fletcher Mayo Associates in St. Joseph, Missouri, where daughter Holly Lynne was born.

Jim missed farming, and the family returned to Ainsworth in 1978, where he began a hog and grain operation. He started freelance writing, and in later years returned to the advertising and PR industries. Jim was active in community organizations, including the Ainsworth Lions Club, the Ainsworth American Legion, and The Washington Historical Society. In 1982 he played Scarecrow in Washington Community Theater’s The Wizard of Oz. Jim was Peg’s right-hand man. He worked tirelessly to support her studio, Washington Dance Center.

Jim was a man of many interests: He earned private and commercial pilot’s licenses, and qualified as a scuba diver. He was a student of archeology, military history and religion. Jim and Peg enjoyed travel, returning to Asia and Europe while dividing time between their homes in Iowa and Arizona.

Jim was a loving husband, devoted father, and adoring grandfather. He delighted in discussing history with his grandchildren. He loved watching his grandsons run track and cross country and his granddaughters dance. He was a thoughtful conversationalist, gracious host, and a kind and caring friend.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughters Leslie Nicole (Jim) Durand and Holly Stephens Kennedy; grandchildren Andrew, Thomas, William, Lily, Elizabeth and Katherine; and sister Maureen (Dale) Roberts and sister-in-law Janelle Stephens (Dave). His parents, sister Kathy, and brother Dave preceded him in death.

There will be a celebration of Jim’s life and flag presentation at Jim and Peg’s new farm home on September 3. Memorials have been established to the American Cancer Society and to the Swift Boat Sailors Association. The Jones & Eden Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent for Jim’s family through the web at www.jonesfh.com.