James Richard Stevens, 63, Fort Washington

Friday, Nov. 20, 2009

James Richard Stevens, 63, of Fort Washington died after a short illness Nov. 12, 2009, at Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, D.C.

Mr. Stevens was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, brother in-law and friend. His grandchildren called him "Pop Pop."

Born Nov. 28, 1945, he was the son of the late Wintres and the late Evelyn Stevens. He was the ninth child of 10 siblings. He was born and raised in Hollywood and educated in the St. Mary's County public school system. He went through additional training in 1967 at the Job Corps in Wisconsin studying to become an electrician.

In September 1968, he relocated to Washington, D.C. His first job was working for Eddie Lenard's sub shop as a delivery driver. He took a job with Avis car rental company and made lifelong friends there. He was a service agent and worked there for 42 years until his death.

He was a fun-loving and family-oriented person who enjoyed life. He loved family gatherings and partying. He was always willing to give a helping hand to whomever needed it. Football was his favorite sport; he was a die-hard Washington Redskins fan. He also enjoyed fishing, gardening, vacationing and taking care of his vehicles.

He was a very loving father; his children were his pride and joy. He was blessed to have Denise, Pamela and Shawn. He also had the privilege of raising his sister-in-law, Dian Young-Mitchell, whom he loved as one of his own.

In June 1988 he married Catherine Butler and welcomed stepson, Corey as a new addition to his family; with 21 years of marriage they would build a strong and loving home for their four kids and six grandchildren. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Sylvester and Phillip Stevens; sister, Lenora Jackson; granddaughter, Andre· Myia Young; and brother in-law, Charles Petty.

He is survived by his wife, Catherine A. Stevens; daughters, Denise "Nisey" and Pamela "Pam;" sons, Joseph "Shawn" and Corey; grandsons, Reginald "Reggie," Marquell, Corey and Cortez; granddaughters, Takirra "Kirra" and Dajai; brothers, Joseph W., John E. and Michael X. Stevens; sisters, Mary E. Green, Barbara M. Davis and M. Theresa Watkins; sisters-in-law, Doris E. "Wezzie" Hilton-Petty, Doris Stevens, Lillian Stevens, Sylvia Stevens, Ruth Dorsey, Sylvia Butler and Jeanette Butler; brothers-in-law, John Green, Lawrence Butler, John Butler and Leo Butler; father and mother in-law, Leo H. and Agnes E. Butler; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until time of Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Nov. 20 at St. Columba Catholic Church, Oxon Hill. Burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton.

Arrangements are being handled by Thornton Funeral Home, Pomonkey.