With great sadness, we heartbreakingly announce the passing of our precious Jimmy on April 21, 2025 at the age of 69 after a valiant battle with cancer.  He was born in Hollister on November 3, 1955 to James "T-Bone" and Rose Stephens and lived in Hollister his whole life.

He attended Sacred Heart School where the many stories of his hysterical shenanigans began.  He graduated from San Benito Joint Union High School in 1973.  During his high school years, his awesome personality really began to emerge.  He was funny, had a lot of fun times, and everyone knew who he was.  In his youth, he was very athletic and participated in several sports activities, often coached by his father.  He was the medic for Pop Warner and San Benito High School home and away games for many years as a volunteer.

Jimmy and Donna Clayton married in 1979, established a home in Hollister and brought two amazing sons into the world- Michael and Donald. He was a hard worker and did well by his family and took great care of them and made sure they had what they needed.  He became a father figure to many of his sons' friends and treated them as his own.

He had several jobs, but was very proud to work with his dad and mom at Stephens and Poletti Ambulance Service for several years.  His compassion for helping people was recognized by many and gave him confidence.  He became a dispatcher for San Benito County, then for Gilroy Police Department.  Many knew of his many stories from these jobs and can smile and laugh when remembering them.  His most recent position was at Grunnagle/Ament/Nelson Funeral Home where his kindness and great compassion was front and center at all times.  After leaving the funeral home, he continued to help with Veteran Services and individuals by providing burial flags and headstones for those in need.  He did so many great things for so many people and his helpfulness was very appreciated and recognized.

Jimmy and Donna enjoyed traveling and often included family members and friends to various destinations.  Some of the favorites were: Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, Canada, Mexico, New Orleans, Europe, the Caribbean, and to Switzerland to visit their exchange student/adopted son, Donat Tester and family.  They also took many cruises and had many great times.

Jimmy leaves a legacy of great kindness and compassion, intelligence, honesty, awesome humor, and his quick wit.  He will never be out of our hearts and minds.  He's unforgettable and forever loved.  What an incredible man he was.

He is survived by his wife Donna, and sons Michael (Emily) and Donald (Julia) and grandchildren Issac Rovella, Abigail and Erick Stephens and Ryan and Holly Stephens.  He is also survived by his sister Judie Turpin (Ted Miller) and Jeanne Key (John), his sisters and brothers -in-laws Arthur and Carol Kirkpatrick, Sharon Clayton, Ann and Carl Wilkerson, Veronica Thurman, David Clayton, and Nona Browning.  He also leaves many nephews and nieces, cousins, his godson Gregory Jacobs, countless friends, and his fur babies Cooper and Bailey.  He was predeceased by his parents, Jim and Rose Stephens, and many family members.

A celebration of life will be held July 12th at the Hollister Elks Lodge from 1p.m.-4p.m.