James Stephens III

James Henry Stephens, III, 79, of Wilson,  Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, August 2, 2021. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Bonnie F. Stephens of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas; two daughters: Angela Stephens (& spouse David) Patterson of Combine, Texas and Stephanie Stephens (& spouse Tom) Dunn of Flat Rock, North Carolina; two grandchildren: F. Alexandra Sides of Jacksonville, Florida and Nathan Alexander Dunn of Washington D.C.; brother Joe Lynn Stephens and wife Judy of Texas.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James Henry & Ludien Stephens of West Memphis, Arkansas and siblings: Jerry Nelson Stephens & Garry Don Stephens, Sr.

James grew up in Wilson, Arkansas until the 8th grade, when his family moved to West Memphis,  Arkansas. James and his three brothers grew up loving the outdoors, fishing, hunting, and doing what boys do.  After graduating high school, he attended Arkansas State University in 1959, where he met the love of his life: Bonnie Faye.

James and Bonnie married December 1961 and James went to work at the West Memphis Toggery until sensing his call into the ministry to serve the Lord. He then continued his education at Memphis State University, graduated—immediately starting his pastoral education at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. There, he obtained his masters in Divinity and completed course work toward his Doctor of Ministry, while also interning.

James was then called by the Lord to pastor at Roseville Baptist Church in Roseville, Minnesota—where he pastored for ten years. The family then moved to Fort Worth, Texas, when James started a construction company with his brother.

After several years, James & Bonnie moved, permanently, to Hot Springs Village and joined Coronado Baptist Church.

Around 11:00AM on Monday, August 2nd, James was riding his bike and had a massive heart attack.

James' greatest joy was serving the lord, his family, and friends. He was a man of his word and had unshakable faith. He studied his Bible daily, striving endlessly to learn more and grow stronger in his walk with Christ.

Our memories and love for James will never end. With great love comes great sorrow.

"Well done, my good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:21

Arrangements entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.