James “Spiz” Stephens, age 87, of Cassville, MO

James “Spiz” Stephens, age 87, of Cassville, Missouri passed away Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at Washington Regional Hospital in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

He was born January 6, 1934 in Purdy, Missouri, the son of Albert and Ruth (Henderson) Stephens.  On August 25, 1951 he was united in marriage to Billie Ann Ledgerwood, who preceded him in death on May 28, 2016.  Also preceding him in death were his parents; one sister, Linda Gilstrap and a daughter-in-law, Debbie Stephens

Surviving are one son, James Stephens and his wife Sarah of Cassville, Missouri; one daughter, Jil Hunt of Olathe, Kansas; one sister, Martha Watt of Clovis, California; four grandchildren, Chris Stephens, Nicholas Hunt and his wife Jennifer, Jeffrey Stephens and Caleb Hunt and his wife Amy; eight great grandchildren and a special lady friend, Leona Keeling.

Spiz graduated from Cassville High School in 1952 and attended Drury College where he attained an Associate’s Degree.  He served in the Missouri National Guard.  After graduating he worked for Rufus Miller Appliances, the City of Cassville and as a projectionist at Hall Theater in town and Green Hills Drive-In Theater on Highway 248.  After helping in the construction of the Vaisey-Bristol Shoe Company he continued working for them.  The company name changed to Jumping Jack’s Shoe Company where he retired as a sales representative.  Spiz and Billie Ann enjoyed taking vacations on the motorcycle and spent a lot of time just riding.  He was a Ham Radio Operator, an avid St. Louis Cardinals and Springfield Cardinals fan and enjoyed trout fishing at Roaring River.  For over fifty years he was a member of Pythagoras Masonic Lodge #383.  He was a member of Mill Street Church of Christ.

Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Monday, August 9, 2021 at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville.  Laith Hayward will conduct the services.

Masonic services, conducted by Pythagoras Lodge #383, will be held at 1:30 P.M. Sunday with visitation to follow until 4:00 P.M. at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville.

Contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Spiz.

Visit www.fohnfuneralhome.com for online obituaries, guestbook and private condolences