James "Jimmy" David Stephens

James David (Jimmy) Stephens, a resident of McAlester, OK died on August 10, 2025 at the age of 61 in Norman, OK after a hard fought health battle. Jimmy was born on March 24, 1964 in Denton at Flow Memorial Hospital. His parents were Joe Stephens and Judy Stephens. He married Kim Dorado on October 22, 2022 in McAlester, OK. Jimmy grew up in Princeton, TX where he went to school, had numerous friends and excelled at many sports, including football, basketball, track and field and baseball and participated in several clubs. He attended college at McMurry University and East Texas State University, where he received a Bachelor's and Master's of Science degree in Biology.

Jimmy was a long-time resident of Desoto, TX where he was dedicated to public service, working for the City of Desoto for over 28 years and then for the City of Seagoville for an additional 2 years. Jimmy was also a Registered Sanitarian and a long-time member of the Texas Environmental Health Association. Jimmy was highly respected for his knowledge and commitment to public health and served on various boards, committees, and held a variety of certifications, and was a beloved and respected employee by all of his colleagues.

Jimmy was an active member of the Sac and Fox Nation and was involved in many tribal activities. He had a traditional native regalia and participated in native dances and attended annual functions relating to his tribe. He also served as the chairperson for the Dallas Intertribal Organization for several years, spoke in Washington, DC and had a passion for native sovereignty.

After Jimmy left public service, he retired to a picturesque location in McAlester with his beloved wife, Kim. He always had a love for the outdoors and the land where they lived provided a wonderful oasis with its variety of birds, deer, and large trees. In McAlester, one of his favorite pastimes was to take his boat out on Lake McAlester to enjoy his love of fishing. He also enjoyed tending to his chickens and honing his horticulture and cooking skills.

Jimmy is survived by his wife Kim; stepchildren, Rose Dorado, Maya Dorado, Soren Dorado and Oscar Dorado; mother, Judy Stephens; siblings, Jena Lynch and husband Clay, Jason Stephens and wife Tina and Jared Stephens; nieces and nephews, Jana Love and husband Justin, Jinger Stephens, Trent Stephens, Conner Lynch, Abigail Lynch, Charlie Lynch and Jared Stephens. 

He was preceded in death by father, Joseph Stephens; grandparents, Clifford and Virginia Conallis, Joseph Stephens, Sr. and Caroline Turnell.

Tribal services for Jimmy will begin at noon on Friday, August 15, 2025 at the Sac and Fox Community Building. Viewing will start at 10:00 am the same morning. Following the ceremony, Jimmy will be laid to rest at the Sac and Fox Tribal Cemetery.

Casketbearers will be: Jason Stephens, Jared Stephens, Ricky Cullum, Clay Lynch, Shane Shepard, and David Betterton. 

A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the First Baptist Church of Blue Ridge in Blue Ridge, Texas.