Jim Stephan

James Jacob Stephan, known as Jim, passed away on June 11, 2026, at the age of 76. He was born on November 21, 1949, in Vienna, Austria, grew up in the Panama Canal Zone, and later made his life in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Jim married Jill Smith on November 30, 1991. He graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in marketing. He went on to spend 45 years working for the IRS. He retired on September 17, 2019.

Outside of work, Jim maintained a variety of interests. He participated in wheelchair basketball, enjoyed writing songs and playing the guitar, and appreciated the strategy of chess. He was a loyal fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tampa Bay Rays. He collected both coins and stamps. Through his life, both Jim and Jill had many memorable experiences.

Over the years at home, Jim cared for his pet birds—Sundrop, Sundance, and Sunshine—a steady presence in his life.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Eva and William Stephan, and his brother, Billy Stephan. He is survived by his wife, Jill Smith Stephan; his sister, Eve Williams; sister-in-law, Jan (Gary) Wong, and brother-in-law, Jim (Ruth) Smith, plus ten nieces and nephews.