James Allan (Jim) STEPHENS

James Allan Stephens born 2nd April 1922 in Lyttleton, to the late Stuart and Ida Stephens.

James was the 2"d eldest of the family. Ernie being his big brother by 11 months, and sisters, Daphne

and Kathleen.

Jim started his school days off at Petone primary school in Wellington.

Moving to Dunedin and attending North East Valley Primary School till the age of 13.

Jim attended High School at King Edward Technical College, Stuart St; Dunedin for 2

years.

After leaving high school in 1935 Jim started as an apprentice moulder at H.E. Shacklocks making (ovens and coal ranges) He left there in disgust for cooking toastie sandwiches on the job. 1937 and still in Dunedin Jim worked at "Boots Chemist".

June 1939, Jim couldn't wait to join the Royal New Zealand Navy at the tender age of 17 years. He became a signalman until the end of WW2. After WW2, Jim found his way to the Conical Hills sawmill for employment in 1946.

1947 / 48 Jim decided to return to Dunedin where he boarded with Uncle Ben and Aunty Vera and started employment with New Zealand Rail as a shunter as well as Dunedin City Council as Bus driver and Tram Conductor.

1949 Jim worked for Dunedin City Council in the electricity department as a meter reader, and later that same year in August was offered Employment at A&T Burts as store man. Over many years Jim progressed through to the Dunedin Sales Manager before transferring to Oamaru in 1972 on a promotion as Oamaru Branch Manager which he held until his retirement in 1985. During this time frame, Jim was offered the South Island Regional Managers position, of which he declined because family life at that time was more important.

February 1951 James married Ngaire Lelia Dawson from which they had three children Alayne, Catherine and Craig, with Ngaire passing away 1975 after 24 years marriage.

Jim and Nan married in May 1977 and have spent 34 years together in which Jim loved and cared for Nan dearly. As his health deteriorated it was a concern to Jim that Nan would need ongoing care, which he knew he was unable to give. Jim' s final goal and wishes were met by them both going into care where Jim knew Nan would be safe and have the support of the extended family.

Over the years Jim was also a great sports and family man.

1957 coincided with Craig being born and Jim deciding to take up golf. (Craig must have been a handful)

Loved it so much to the stage where committees become part of Jim's life.

• St Clair golf course committee

• Corstorphine Primary School Board Chairman for over 5 years while his three children went to the school.

After moving to Oamaru in 1972 Jim continued his love of golf at the North Otago and Waitoa golf clubs.

After retirement Jim took up bowls with many hours of enjoyment and laughter amongst good friends.

Jim was actively involved with coaching rugby at Old Boys and a keen member of the RSA as a former serviceman and becoming the Royal NZ Navy Honourable Lieutenant Commander.

Jim was a keen bookworm and gardener till the end with some of the biggest potatoes and tomatoes coming from Jim's garden.

Jim enjoyed a fit healthy life style with frequent trips to be with his family in OZ, loved the company of friends and family with a beer and few cigarettes and the odd whiskey with the odd dirty yarn not going amiss!!

James was a remarkably thoughtful person.

He was a person of great integrity and humour. Above all James believed in family.