James Milo Stephens Jr.

James Milo Stephens Jr., age 82 of South Bend, passed away at Memorial Hospital on Sunday, October 10, 2021. Jim was born March 6, 1939, in St. Joseph County, Indiana to the late James and Ruby (VanLue) Stephens. Jim was employed as a salesman for many years and was the former owner of Village Mobile Homes in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and “Special Editions” Van Conversion in Mishawaka where he worked hard to earn his customers trust and meet their needs when called upon. 

He is survived by his daughters Connie (Larry) Stagg and Spring (Mark Morey) Stephens, both of South Bend, 5 grandchildren: Aleigha (Doug) Crewe, James “Jay” (Ana) Stagg, Chelsea Parratore, Kaylee Stagg and Madison Morey, along with 4 great-grandchildren Jacob, Mabel, Liliana, and Jamin.  He was preceded in death by his siblings Larry Stephens and Elaine Kuespert.

Friends may visit with the family from 5-7 pm Friday, October 15, 2021, at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola.  A celebration of Jim’s life will be held Saturday, October 16, 2021, at 9:30 am. For those unable to attend, Jim’s service will be streamed in real time in the window below this obituary.

Jim was an avid fan of sports and loved watching them on tv whenever he had the chance. He followed the Chicago Bears and NASCAR.  At the age of 9, Jim heard a broadcast of the Chicago Cubs on his radio and became a die-hard fan of the team throughout the years and was dedicated to them as they ended their World Series drought in 2016.  He continued to “Root, Root, Root for the Cubbies,” throughout the 2021 season.  

He was also an avid fan of Rock and Roll music and his son-in-law Larry helped him discover streaming videos on the internet so he could enjoy the oldies and classic rock of Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band and Pink Floyd.

More than anything, Jim’s faith in God never wavered.  On many of his daily walks, he would take time to appreciate nature and his surroundings, and he enjoyed watching Shepherd’s Chapel Church to learn more about his faith.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Food Pantry at River Park United Methodist Church, 920 S. 23rd St. South Bend, IN 46615.  To light a virtual candle, share a story of Jim’s life, or to leave a message of comfort for his family, please follow the links on the tribute wall tab above.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Milo Stephens Jr., please visit our floral store.