Funeral Mass for James R. Stephens 82 of Port Orange will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday August 8 2007 at Epiphany Catholic Church. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday August 7 2007 at the Port Orange Chapel of Lohman Funeral Homes. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery Westfield NJ. James died on Friday August 3 2007 in the arms of his only daughter Kathleen as she recited the Our Father in his home. He also had the love and support of his grandchildren and son-in-law and the compassion of Hospice by his side. He was active in the Crane Lakes community where he enjoyed his cruises and bowling. James was born on June 19 1925 to the late Richard and Mary Stephens in Rahway New Jersey where he was raised and attended school. Upon graduation James joined the U. S. Navy in 1943 and served as a machinist with the CM 3/C during WWII until his honorable discharge in 1946 with an American Theatre Medal Good Conduct Medal Asiatic Pacific Medal and a Victory Medal. When his military service ended he pursued a career with Merck and Company as an engineer. He studied at Northwestern University until receiving his license and was a faithful employee until his retirement in 1989. He was also employed by Trane and company where he helped to construct the design of the air conditioning and refrigeration of the Newark International Airport. James married Catherine Cagnassola on April 27 1947 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Westfield NJ and celebrated 53 loving years of marriage until her passing in 1999. Of all his pleasures in life his passion in life was being a husband father and grandfather. James was a totally selfless and kind human being who also loved his extended family of nieces nephews and many dear friends. The family would like to thank all the members of the Alzheimer's Support Group especially Ronnie and Alicia the staff at Crane Roost and the wonderful staff at Bob Evans who helped my dad keep his dignity while he declined with this terrible disease; his caretakers especially Celeste Tammy Paula with Dr. Bernardo's staff and the nurses from Hospice Port Orange. Thanks to Tracey and the kind words of encouragement from the Shores Resort and Spa and lastly our immediate family and friends for their prayers and support. James leaves to cherish his memory his only daughter Kathleen Shackelford of Port Orange; son-in-law Gary; grandsons Bryan and Kevin Boyle of Ormond Beach who cared for him daily; and his dedicated granddaughter Kelly Siegel of Port Orange. Donations may be made in honor of James to Hospice Port Orange or to the Alzheimer's Association of Volusia County.