James Carlisle Stevens

James Carlisle Stevens passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday night. He was 85 years old.

James was born on September 6, 1939, in Quito, Tennessee, to Arthur Bronson Stevens and Ruth Grace Milton. He graduated in 1957 in Memphis, Tennessee, and the following year moved to El Paso, Texas, where he proudly joined the U.S. Army. He served honorably until 1962.

After his time in the Army, James worked as an Allstate insurance agent and later owned several construction companies in El Paso. In 1981, he and his family moved to Odessa, Texas, where he worked as a dispatcher for BJ Hughes until his retirement.

In 1974, James met the love of his life, Beatrice Sanchez. The two were married and shared a lifetime of love and laughter before her passing.

James had a deep love for music and sports — especially the Dallas Cowboys. He was rarely without a tune in his head and could often be heard humming or singing as he went about his day. He was known for giving every family member a special nickname and for his deep attachment to his recliners — which he defended as “his spot” without apology. James took daily morning walks in the park, always keeping a steady rhythm to his day, which included his cherished peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a cold glass of milk.

Family will always remember James for his unmatched Mexican rice — a recipe no one could ever quite master — and for the steady, loving presence he brought into their lives.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Beatrice Sanchez Stevens; his parents, Ruth Grace Milton and Arthur Bronson Stevens; his sister, Ann Stevens; and his son, Richard Fuentes.

He is survived by his siblings: Carroll Stevens of Garland, Texas; Lynn Stevens of El Paso, Texas; Debbie Dupuy of Memphis, Tennessee; and Betsy Poston of Memphis, Tennessee.

His children: Peter Stevens and Raymond Stevens of Odessa, Texas; Raven and Sylke Fuentes of Stuttgart, Germany; Paul and Debbie Stevens of Spring, Texas; and Stephanie and Mike Penrose of San Antonio, Texas.

Also surviving him are his daughter-in-law Peggy Fuentes of North Richland Hills, Texas; grandchildren Arden Stevens of Odessa; Anthony and Merissa Fuentes of North Richland Hills; William Penrose of San Antonio; James Fuentes and Veronica Fuentes of North Richland Hills; Katie Stevens and Patrick Stevens of Spring, Texas; Chris and Amy Fuentes of Odessa; Diana Flores and Saul Flores of Odessa; and Tyler and Grace Fuentes of Medford, Oregon.

Great-grandchildren include Mekenze and Kaydan Guise of Odessa; Xander and Emmett Fuentes of North Richland Hills; and Alice Fuentes and David Fuentes of Odessa.

James leaves behind a legacy of warmth, humor, and unconditional love. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

A service of remembrance for James Carlisle Stevens is set  for 10AM Monday July 7, 2025, at Martinez Funeral Home chapel with Rev Chris Fuentes officiating. 

Military Honors will also be presented by our local VFW Post 4372 Honor Guard.