James Rees Stevenson's Obituary
James R. Stevenson, age 82, of Lewes, DE, passed away on Wednesday, July 27, 2022, at Cadia Renaissance Healthcare in Millsboro. He was born on October 1, 1939, in Salt Lake City, UT, son of the late Kenneth and Alberta (Lamb) Stevenson. He moved to Stevensville, Montana at a month old and later moved back to Salt Lake City where he graduated from Granite High School, Class of 1957.
Upon high school graduation, he attended the University of Utah where he earned his bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and doctorate degree. Following college, his career included serving time in the Army reserves, six years in Vietnam, working as a civilian entomologist for the Department of Defense, and returning home to work for the Department of Defense at Walter Reed, based in Silver Spring, Maryland. After living in Maryland for several years, he met the love of his life, Evelyn Anne (Christopher) in Germantown. They married and spent twenty-five wonderful years together.
Those who knew Rees would describe him as being laid back with a sense of humor that endeared him to all. With his many interests and talents, he was known as a jack of all trades, able to fix everything he put his hands to. Earlier in life, he was an avid scuba diver going to many locations including Hawaii, Florida Keys, and the Mid Atlantic coast. He enjoyed relaxing to jazz music and challenging his mind with a good crossword puzzle. Rees enjoyed cheering on his favorite team, the Washington Redskins and watching March Madness college basketball. Rees found tremendous peace and joy in the simple pleasure of ending the day watching the sun set from his porch, cigar in one hand and some Irish whiskey in the other. Above all, the time spent with those he held dear were what he cherished most. Rees was a generous and loving husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, who would drop everything to help someone in need. He will be deeply missed by those fortunate enough to have known him.
In addition to his parents, Rees was preceded in death by his son, Kendall Stevenson; his brother, John Kendall Stevenson; and his sister, Shirlene Straite. He is survived by his loving wife of twenty-five years, Evelyn Anne (Christopher) of Lewes, DE; his son, Scott Stevenson of Idaho; his stepson, Jim Pratt (Margaret) of CT; his grandchildren: Shana, Kale, and Kamron; his step-grandchildren, Harrison, Liam, and Katherine; and his nine great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 15829, Arlington, VA 22215, or www.diabetes.org or the Delaware Diabetes Coalition, 107 Vollkorn Road, Magnolia, DE 19962, or www.dediabetescoalition.org.
Please sign Rees' virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
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