James Lewis Stevens, 72, of Allendale, Illinois, passed away Monday, January 1, 2024 at Deaconess Gateway Hospital, in Newburgh, Indiana, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on October 20, 1951, in Princeton, Indiana, the son of Lewis and Lucile (Walter) Stevens.
Jim was a lifelong farmer and proud owner and operator of Stevens Farms, a long-standing legacy of family-owned farms. He was a member of many agricultural organizations, including being active in the Wabash County Farm Bureau and a member of the Board of Directors at Wabash Valley Service Company. Jim really enjoyed remaining active in the daily operations of the family farm and seeing his children and grandchildren follow in his footsteps. In his free time, he enjoyed boating and hunting. Spending time with his grandchildren and watching them participate in various sports brought him great joy. Jim is a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mount Carmel, Illinois. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
Jim leaves behind his children, Clayton Stevens and wife Lori of Allendale, IL, Chrissi Klostermann and husband Justin of Magnolia, TX, Codie Ford and husband, Brent of Allendale, IL, Maggie Ruble and fiancé, Chris Taylor of Martin, TN; grandchildren, Alexia, Madison and Presley Stevens, Andrew and Colten Klosterman, Emma and Maxwell Ford, one nephew, Jeffrey Stevens and wife Kristi; one niece, Jill Ingram and husband Curtis; sister-in-law, Janis Stevens; two great-nieces, and two great-nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his only brother, John Stevens; and Linda Stevens.
A Rosary will begin at 4:00 p.m., Thursday, January 4, 2024 at St. Mary Catholic Church. A Visitation will follow from 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., at the Church.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, January 5, 2024 at St. Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Robert Zwilling and Deacon Jim Keepes officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s memory to Mount Carmel High School FFA or Wabash County Farm Bureau Scholarship fund. Envelopes will be at the Church, or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Jim’s tribute wall, purchase flowers and leave condolences for the Stevens family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com