James Boyd Stephens

James Boyd Stephens, 78, passed away in Waco, Texas, on Monday, September 4, 2023 surrounded by family. A memorial visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Saturday, September 9, 2023, in the Garden Room at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey funeral home in Waco, Texas. A private family event will be held the following day in Waco.

Born on June 30, 1945, James was one of two children raised in Borger, Texas by Dr. Leonard Boyd Stephens and Mabel Clare Gladden Stephens. An ardent outdoorsman, James enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golf across the Texas Panhandle in his youth. After graduating from Borger High School in 1964, James attended Baylor University where he received his BBA in Economics in 1968. Shortly thereafter, he married Susan Gayle Almand, also a graduate of Baylor, in Waxahachie, Texas, on August 2, 1969. The young couple relocated to North Texas where James pursued an MBA in Accounting at the University of North Texas. After earning his master’s degree, he and his wife settled in Dallas where they were soon joined by their son Matthew, with daughter Elizabeth following along several years later. James worked as a Certified Public Accountant for many years while Susan was a public school teacher. Always the life of the party, James could be found leading the neighborhood kids from house to house on Halloween or piling up the old Chevy Suburban for a fishing trip. Though he never quite recovered from the dissolution of the Southwest Conference, James remained a Baylor fan for life and moved with his wife to Waco in 2018 following their retirement. Known as Sunshine to his family, James travelled extensively during his life, from the Colorado Rockies to the Swiss Alps, from Puerto Rico and Grand Cayman to Montreal and beyond. But at heart, he was always happiest on the wide-open plains of West Texas or the warm blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. He put ketchup on his enchiladas and tomato juice in his beer, but no one is perfect. He will be remembered fondly with his signature smirk on his face and a fishing pole in his hand.

He is survived by his sister, Laura Bess Stephens McCarthy; his wife, Susan Stephens; his son, Matt Stephens and wife, Ashley; his daughter, Elizabeth Stephens; and two granddaughters, Rachael Stephens and Sarah Stephens.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you consider enjoying a bowl of chocolate ice cream and singing your favorite Roy Orbison song. Loudly. And off key.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.