James Augustus Stephens

James Augustus Stephens, 80, of Big Canoe, Georgia passed away Wednesday, April 27, after a long illness. He was born on February 11, 1931, in Damascus, Alabama, and grew up in Samson, Alabama. He was a graduate of Samson High School and of Auburn University. Jim moved to Atlanta in 1969, where he lived until moving to Big Canoe in 2002. In 1975, he married Rebecca (Foote) Stephens. He retired in 2001 after many years in the cargo trailer business.

Jim was a loving husband and devoted father who loved spending time with his family and friends. He was a member of the Big Canoe Chapel. He thoroughly enjoyed attending parties and Auburn football games, and loved to vacation in Panama City Beach with his extended family. He was the life of the party, and everyone he knew enjoyed his presence and his sense of humor. He will be greatly missed.

Jim is survived by his wife, Becky, of Big Canoe, his daughter, Susan (Stephens) Shelnutt, of Johns Creek, GA, his brother, Bill Stephens of Dothan, AL, his twin grandchildren, Anne James Shelnutt and William Doss Shelnutt, IV, of Johns Creek, GA, and many nieces and nephews, as well as great-nieces and nephews.

There will be a memorial service at the Big Canoe Chapel, on Monday, May 2, at 11:00 am. An internment service is being planned in Samson, AL. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Jim's honor to either Big Canoe Animal Rescue, 10676 Big Canoe, Big Canoe, GA 30143, or to Georgia Mountain Auburn Club Scholarship Fund, c/o Joe Raley, 11087 Big Canoe, Big Canoe, GA 30143.

Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 155 Professional Park Drive, Cumming, Georgia. (678) 455-5815. Online condolences at www.byarsfuneralhome.com