James D. "Jim" Stephens

James D. “Jim” Stephens, 80, of Rocky Grove, passed away at 1:40 P.M. on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at UPMC Hamot after a brief illness.

Born at home in Rocky Grove on February 19, 1945, Jim was the son of the late Floyd Stephens and Esther Barnes Stephens Elliott. He was the stepson of the late Donald Elliott.

Jim was a 1963 graduate of Franklin High School and earned his Bachelor’s degree from Clarion University in 1967. He went on to earn his Master’s Degree from Clarion University as well.

Jim taught in the Franklin Area School District. He taught 6th grade at Central Elementary for six years then spent over 20 years teaching 4th grade at Polk Elementary.

He was an active member of Galloway Church. Over the years, Jim served the church in many different capacities.

Jim was an avid fisherman and loved hunting and spending time on his boats.

A competitor at heart, Jim loved to play pickleball and golf. He was also a competitive shooter for many years with the Oil City Ikes Club. He always loved to win.

Jim was a lifelong Los Angeles Dodgers and Green Bay Packers fan.

On May 27, 1967, he married the love of his life, the former Jean Miller and she survives. Jim and Jean were a team since the age of 14, a testament of true love.

Also surviving is his daughter, Amy Thomas and her husband Doug of Grove City; a son, Master Gunnery Sergeant Daniel Stephens and his wife Renee of Kailua, HI; four grandchildren, Nick Miller and his wife Kara of Grove City, Kaitlin Miller and her fiancé Cyrus Baker of Canandaigua, NY, Kanani Stephens and Kanoa Stephens both of Kailua, HI and three great-grandchildren, Murray and Maguire Miller both of Grove City and Kade Miller of Canandaigua, NY.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Huff-Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., 312 West Park St. Franklin where family and friends are welcome from 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. Wednesday.

A funeral service will be held at Galloway Church 196 Seysler Road, Franklin on Thursday at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Roy Gearhart, officiating.

Interment will follow at Franklin Cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting huffguthrie.com.