James Stevenson
Passed: August 29, 2022
- Share:
James Stevenson
Passed: August 29, 2022
Obituary
Mr. James Stevenson, 51, of Peoria, Arizona, died August 29, 2022 in Peoria, Arizona. He was born April 27th, 1971 in Tucson, Arizona to John Stevenson and June Thompson.
James’ early school years were spent in Denton, Montana until his family moved to Show Low, Arizona in 1983, where he continued his schooling and graduated from Show Low High School in 1989. James and his brothers were brought up in a strong and loving Christian household, and throughout their childhood, hiking and the outdoors were a favorite pastime.
During junior high and high school, James was a police cadet with the Show Low Police Department. He had decided at an early age that he wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement. After graduating from high school, he went on to graduate from the Arizona Law Enforcement Training Academy in Tucson, Arizona and was the last 18-year-old to be certified as a police officer in the state. He began his career at the Show Low Police Department, then went on to work for the Fort McDowell Police Department and the Gila River Police Department. He held many positions over the years such as Field Training Officer, Patrol Sergeant, and Peer Support Coordinator. He also received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including Officer of the Year.
After making the decision to leave law enforcement in 2019, he began working for Crisis Preparation and Recovery, Inc. as their Facilities and Safety Coordinator.
James had a passion for teaching, training, helping people who were in crisis, and being an advocate for the safety of others in everything that he did. He loved his work and always gave 110% of his efforts towards the job and the people around him. He was a great example and leader in the professional world as well as in his personal life.
James, or Jim, as he was best known, loved cooking, watching documentaries, keeping up with friends, and spending time with his family. He also loved a wide variety of music and had a song to share for just about any occasion or situation.
He was a man of integrity, courage, compassion, intelligence, strength, honor and resolve. Above all, he was a great friend, an incredible father to his two daughters, and an amazing grandfather to his grandchildren. Jim, Dad, Pops, is dearly loved and will be incredibly missed by so many.
Jim is survived by his daughters, Apryl Charie Cornelson and Aimee Lynn Stevenson; mother, June Ann Skowronek; brothers, Timothy Aaron Stevenson and Jeffery David Stevenson; grandson, Warren Brandt Cornelson; and granddaughter Evalyn Rose Cornelson. He is also survived by the mother of his children, Kimberly Ann Heenan; son-in-Law, Eric Paul Cornelson; and step-granddaughter, Lennox Renee Cornelson.
He was preceded in death by his father, John Allen Stevenson.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 15, 2022 at Christ’s Church of the Valley, 7007 W. Happy Valley Rd. Glendale, Arizona 85383
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to The 100 Club of Arizona.
10 responses to James Stevenson
Wendy says:
September 8, 2022
I met Jim at Show Low P.D. I don’t remember how he got the name ‘Sparky’ but it fit him perfectly. He was funny and full of life and full of ‘it’ in a good way. He often made me laugh. We took a dance class together and were equally bad but laughed our way through it. Years after I left Show Low Sparky went to the same academy that my future husband went through. Small world. It is comforting to know Sparky will be a light in heaven.
Robert A Tinney Sr. says:
September 10, 2022
Jim,
I have worn out your last voice mail on my phone. I’ve been playing it every night in silence before I hit the hay.
Our journey that started in 1993 together as Brothers in Blue has left behind so many memories and adventures. We had each other’s back’s in every fight and ordeal we faced. Thanks for always being there.
It’s all changed now and this world will never be the same. But I definitely feel your presence at certain times.
I love you Brother! I miss you. Keep the trail lit, I’ll be catching up soon.
Bob Tinney Sr.
Lou says:
September 11, 2022
Extending deepest condolences to the Stevenson family at the passing of their father, grandfather, son, brother, friend. May each of you embrace your individual memories and treasure them.
l especially grieve with my granddaughter Apryl, her husband Eric and their children saying goodbye to their loved one. My prayer is that they too hold close to their hearts special, meaningful moments to carry them forward, giving comfort and peace.
Melanie Valenzuela says:
September 15, 2022
Jim,
Thank you for always having my back,
as I had yours. You were my brother in blue, and I, your “Sis” as you always called me. I will miss the “hey Sis” and “thank you Sis” in conversations. Thank you for your words of wisdom or encouragement & prayers when I needed them. You once told my there was no time limit on grief. I will make sure your girls remember that! Rest in peace brother, until we meet again!
Joe Kohler says:
September 15, 2022
Jim and I met in 1995 when he was my field training officer at Show Low PD. He was a great trainer, officer and friend. So many “war stories” that still make me smile… I have always respected him greatly as one of the best officers I’ve worked with during my 28 year career.
It was a privilege to know him. The world is a better place thanks to men like him. God speed Jim. I wish you “fair winds and following seas”…