James Leroy Stephens, 81, passed away January 3, 2022, at the Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. He was born February 5, 1940, in Hutchinson, the son of Orville Oliver and Erma Caroline Rump Stephens. He was a graduate of In-man High School. A farmer most of his life, he also worked various times for the Groveland Township for twenty years. He was a member of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, where he was a member of the Men’s Fellowship Group, and on the Inman Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years. He married Sophia Thiessen on No-vember 5, 1983, in Inman. She survives. Other survivors include his children, Annel (Travis) Scates, Benton, KS, Daren Stephens, Goodwell, OK, Diane Morgan (Bill Griffith) Kansas City, MO, and Lisa (Andy) Entz, Wichita; grandchildren, Annelise Hoback, Mikaelynn Scates, Tina Busenitz, Dana Oswald, Scott Entz, and Luke Entz; 8 great grand-children; sister – in- law, Mary Evelyn Stephens, Fair-port, NY; and a niece, Denise Kendt, Webster, NY. He was preceded in death by his par-ents; a daughter, Melynn Stephens; a brother, Clyde Stephens; and a nephew, Greg Stephens. Visitation will be held from 5-7 pm Friday, January 7, 2022, at Inman Funeral Home. Jim’s wishes were for everyone to protect themselves and to wear a mask to the indoor visitation. So please follow his wishes and do so on Friday. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, January 8, 2022, at North Inman Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Inman Museum or the Inman Senior Center, both in care of the funeral home. To leave