Paul J. "Jim" Stevens

Paul J. “Jim” Stevens, 65, Sobieski, entered Heaven on Tuesday afternoon, December 3, 2013, while at home following a brief but courageous battle with brain cancer. Born October 17, 1948, in Green Bay, he is the eldest child of the late Paul S. Stevens and Enid C. (Lison) Stevens. Paul married Betty Race on February 26, 1968. After graduating from West High School, he attended UW-Green Bay. A Vietnam War veteran, Paul served in the US Army Corps of Engineers from 1969-1971. After being honorably discharged from the Army, he was a mechanic and parts manager at a farm co-operative until 1994. Paul was then employed as service manager at Page Auto, retiring this past May due to his illness.

Paul will be remembered for his analytical, inquisitive mind; through his own curiosity, he gained a great reserve of knowledge on a myriad of subjects. He held a life-long passion for flying. Over the past several years, he purchased plans and parts to build his own helicopter in retirement. Paul also had a deep appreciation for true beauty, whether in nature or in the creativity of man-made objects.

Paul is survived by his wife of 45 years, Betty; three brothers; Daniel of McLean, VA, Kenneth of Green Bay, and Timothy (Debra) of Green Bay; two nieces, Lori Stevens and Stephani (James) Banaczynski all of Green Bay; grandnephews and niece, Preston, Spencer, Simon, and Emily; brother-in-law, James Race of Little Suamico; feline rescue buddy, Lionel; other relatives and friends.

Visitation at MALCORE (West) Funeral Home, 1530 W. Mason Street, Thursday, December 5, 2013, from 4-8pm. Prayer service, 7:30pm Thursday, December 5, 2013, at the funeral home. Visitation continues Friday, December 6, 2013, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1253 County Hwy. J, Little Suamico, from 9-11am. Funeral service 11am Friday, December 6, 2013, at the church with Pastor Alan Schaffmeyer officiating. Burial in Allouez Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Oconto County Humane Society, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Little Suamico or Prevea Health Circle of Giving.

Paul’s family is forever grateful to his caregivers, especially Marion, Missy, and Heather; St. John’s Lutheran Church family; neighbors and friends; and to Betty’s nurse-sisters, especially, Jeanne.