James O. Stephenson Jr., of Stowe, Vermont and Vero Beach, Florida, died on May 13, 2024 at the age of 90. He was born on a US military base in the Philippines on July 7, 1933.
James was an adventurer, risk taker and entrepreneur. While attending college at the University of Missouri, he worked summers on the Alaskan railroad. Following graduation, Mr. Stephenson proudly served as a Lieutenant in the United States Army, having served during peacetime in northern Italy working with atomic rockets. After his honorable discharge, he then worked in Honduras for a banana importing company. He met his wife Katherine nee Krughoff while they were working at Richardson Merrill in NYC. He held corporate jobs in finance and mergers/acquisitions for drug and chemical companies. He started a nursing school in San Francisco and a small business in Fenton, MO. He was President of Business Development Co in Providence, RI. He retired after working on his own as a business intermediary and consultant.
Jim enjoyed all things fast – including ski racing and Porsche car racing, which he also enjoyed teaching others. He loved the arts, the beauty of the ocean and the mountains of Vermont.
He is survived by his wife, Katherine of 62 years; daughter, Suzanne Murphy Bell; son, James O. Stephenson; sister, Diane Stephenson; grandchildren, Erin, Anna and Robert and two great-grandchildren.
A memorial service and celebration of life will be held this summer in Stowe, date to be announced.
Condolences may be shared online at www.millenniumcremationservice.com.