John Stephens, 97, died Sunday, June 8, at Penney Farms. He was born in Warren, Ohio on December 2, 1927, to John Luther Stephens and Frances Difford Stephens.
Jack leaves his wife of nearly 75 years, Helen Chatfield Stephens, children Brian, Becky and John and their spouses, five grandchildren and nine greatgrandchildren.
Jack served his country in World War II in Frankfurt, Germany. He graduated from Ohio University and moved with Helen to Warren to become the first IT specialist for Republic Steel Corporation, working with mainframe computers. In Naples, Florida, he designed information systems at the Nature Conservancy of Southwest Florida.
Besides his parents, Jack was predeceased by sister Ann Stephens Ayres.
Jack taught Sunday School in Warren, Ohio, and was an Elder and Clerk of Session at First Presbyterian Church in Naples. He belonged to Penney Memorial Church.
Jack led Boy Scout troops in Ohio and served as a docent at the Naples Philharmonic art galleries. He traced his ancestry back to the early 1600s. He loved golf, fishing, painting, and family adventures in Ohio and beyond. He created a unique and special connection with each of his children, his grandchildren, and his greats.
At Penney Farms Jack conducted the G-track at the Penney Train Station and loved hearing visitors’ train stories. He volunteered at the wood shop, the frame shop, and the orchid house. He played clarinet in the Penney Farms band. He and Helen also played in the Clay County Band and the Recycles Orchestra and made guest appearances with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. They were twice honored as volunteers of the year at the Thrasher Horne Center.
Jack was strong, happy, thoughtful, and kind. He always put others before himself. He knew how to listen. He will be missed.
Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.broadusraines.com Arrangements are under the care of Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. (904) 284-4000
