ALBANY—James "Jim" Stevens, age 71, Albany, died Wednesday morning at home following a brief illness. Born Oct. 12, 1944 in Peach Orchard, Arkansas, he moved to Muncie at age 17 and had been an Albany resident since 1970.

Jim led a life of service. As an independent contractor, he contributed to numerous community landmarks such as the Muncie bypass and several Ball State buildings. Jim was a successful and devoted independent truck driver, accumulating over two-million miles and almost as many friends along the way. Since 2005, he worked for Carter Express in Anderson, Indiana and considered the company as an extended family. Jim has worked his entire life. Apart from truck driving, he enjoyed remodeling and working around the house. However, Jim's most important work came as a papaw. The support and love he gave will always be remembered and cherished.

Survivors include his wife Donna of 54 years; 2 sons: Rodney Stevens (wife: Janet), Albany, and Dewayne Stevens (wife: Lisa), Albany; 2 daughters Vickie Stone (Husband: Joe), Somerset, KY and Julie Cline, Albany; 3 brothers: Sam Stevens, Hartford City, Don Stevens (wife: Betty), Montpelier, and Gary Stevens (wife: Marie), Muncie; a sister: Brinda Brown (husband: Richard), Hartford City; 11 grandchildren: Melissa (Drew), Kyle, Brian (Amy), Adam (Alicia), Jennifer (Tim), Steven (Hannah), Ashley S., Ashley Marie, Nathan, Tyler (Heather), and Nicholas; 3 great-grandchildren: Elaina, Madisyn, Ethan, and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Cecil & Eveline Stevens and his mother-in-law: Elaine Kennett.

Services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5th, 2015, at Meacham Funeral Service. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery.

Visiting hours will be held Friday from 4 until 8 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be sent to Cancer Services of East Central Indiana (Little Red Door), 2311 W. Jackson St. Muncie, IN 47303.

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