James Oliver Stephens of Watertown, died Saturday evening, Nov. 23, 2024 at the age of 75 years.  Born Nov. 16, 1949, he was the son of the late Thurman and Isabell Parkerson Stephens and was preceded in death by his brother, Jerry Stephens and sisters, Louise Claiborne and Betty (Marvin) Vandygrift.

James was a 1968 graduate of Watertown High School, he retired from DuPont and he and his wife, Debbie have operated the Depot Junction Restaurant for the past 32 years.  He was a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon.  James was a sergeant in the US Army serving in Vietnam where he received the Vietnam Campaign Metal, Two Overseas Bars and the Purple Heart.

James is survived by his wife of 52 years, Debbie Kerr Stephens; daughter, Kelly (Chad) Boles; grandchildren, Kaitlyn Trusty, Davin Trusty and Makaylah (and their expectant great grandchild); and Abby Boles; his sister, Sue (Carter) House; sister-in-law, Linda Stephens; brother-in-law, Bryant Claiborne; sister-in-law, Bobbye (Jeff) Troupe; niece, Brittany (Bryan) Luebbe and great niece, Brooke Luebbe and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024 at Cornerstone Baptist Church with Bro. David Daugherty and Bro. Tim Robinson officiating. Visitation 10 a.m. till 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home and 10 a.m. till service time on Tuesday at the church. Pallbearers, Bentley Sweeton, Slayer Moss, Rollin Fish, Andre Pennell, Bob Morgan, Tommy Woodard, Louis McLain, Tony McLain, Carson Jones; Honorary pallbearers, employees of Depot Junction Restaurant. Interment with military honors at Poplar Hill Cemetery.