James Dewey "Jim" Stevens, son of Donald and Wendy (Lewakowski) Stevens, was born 9 June 1943 Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan.  He graduated from Okemos High School in 1961.  Jim died 31 December 2010 Elkhart County, Indiana.

Billings Funeral Home, Elkhart, Elkhart County, Indiana

June 9, 1943 - Dec. 31, 2010

ELKHART -- James Dewey Stevens, 67, of Elkhart, passed away on Friday (Dec. 31, 2010) at Elkhart General Hospital after losing a hard and bravely fought battle with pancreatic cancer.

James was born June 9, 1943, in East Grand Rapids, Mich., to the late Don and Wendy (Lewakowski) Stevens.

He is survived by his wife, Laura of Elkhart; daughters Margaret (Justin) O'Sullivan of Franklin, Tenn., Kathryn of Watertown, Mass., and Betsy of Elkhart; stepdaughters Jennifer (David) Tom of Elkhart and Mindy (Arnold) Klahr of Elkhart; grandchildren Nola and Neve O'Sullivan, Mackenzie, Olivia and Jackson Klahr and Amber, Whitney and Zachary Tom; sisters Judy (Bill) Everts of Lansing, Mich., Margaret (Dan) Peoples of San Diego, and Sylvia (Allen Berenson) Stevens of McLean, Va.; and several nieces and nephews.

James' son, Don Shane, preceded him in death.

James attended Michigan State University and received his B.S. and J.D. degrees from the University of West Los Angeles. He began practicing law in Elkhart in 1977 and continued to practice for more than 30 years at the state and federal trial levels. James has served as president of the Elkhart City Bar Association and was also active in pro bono civil rights cases including the representation of developmentally disabled persons in his community.

James' favorite activities included boating, golfing, cheering on the Michigan State Spartans and the Detroit Lions and Tigers and traveling to Mexico.

A visitation will be held at the First Congregational Church of Elkhart on Monday, Jan. 3, 2011, from 6 to 8 p.m. A memorial service will follow on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2011, at 1 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Elkhart located at 431 S. Third St., Elkhart, with visitation one hour prior.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in James' name may be given to the First Congregational Church of Elkhart or the Alcohol and Addictions Resource Center located at 818 E. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend. Billings Funeral Home of Elkhart is assisting with arrangements.