of Bigelow, AR
January 22, 1941 - June 11, 2017
James ''Jim'' Edward Stiefvater of Bigelow passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on June 11, 2017.
From his birth on January 22, 1941 in Conway, Arkansas to his death, Jim lived--and died--on his own terms. On June 18, 1968,
Jim married Carol Ann (Atchley) Stiefvater at St. Joseph's Church in Conway, Arkansas together they raised four children.
Jim was an active member of his community serving on multiple committees and organizations, including the Catholic Knights of America, St. Joseph Cemetery Commission, Financial Committee and Parish Council. He was also an active member of St. Boniface Catholic Church in Bigelow. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, in the 3rd and 4th degree, holding the position of 3rd degree Grand Knight. He also served in the Arkansas Army Reserves.
After graduating from St. Joseph High School, Jim attended and earned a bachelor's degree from Arkansas State Teacher's College (now UCA). He had many careers including teaching Industrial Arts in Biggers, Arkansas and becoming a Mechanical Estimator in Portageville Missouri. He was an Estimator for Arkansas Mechanical Contracting from 1982 to 1988 and founded Industrial Mechanical in 1989. He also owned several other businesses including High Branch Tree Service and Sevier Plumbing and Heating both of Conway, Arkansas.
Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather, friend to many, and the hardest working person they have ever known. He enjoyed flying his plane, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family. He touched many people in many ways throughout his lifetime. Jim was a man of few words but made those words count.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Edward Stiefvater and Louise Bernice (Hess) Stiefvater.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Carol Ann Stiefvater; children, Tamela (Andy) Smith, James (Sarah) Stiefvater, Joey (Nickie) Stiefvater, and Rebecca (Travis) Lauer; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; sister, Mary Ann Stiefvater; brothers, Ralph (Marilyn) Stiefvater, Ray Stiefvater, and Mark (LuAnn) Stiefvater.
Rosary will be held at 6:00pm Wednesday, June 14, 2017 with visitation to follow at Roller McNutt Funeral Home Chapel Conway, Arkansas.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am Thursday, June 15, 2017 at St. Boniface Catholic Church Bigelow, Arkansas.
Pallbearers are Mark Stiefvater, Andy Smith, Austin Smith, Brandon Smith, Justin Davis, Clayton Poole, Joe Nabholz, and Ryan Newcomb. Burial will follow in St. Boniface Cemetery Bigelow, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in Jim's honor to American Thyroid Association to promote the research and education of anaplastic thyroid cancer.
Dear Mark and Family,
So very sorry for your loss. Praying for you all.
Deepest Sympathy,
The Burnam's
We are so very sorry for your loss. Fathers are a cornerstone in a family. Losing that steady strong support is so difficult. As time passes, the sorrow will subside, but the mark a father leaves on his family never goes away.
We love you all and are keeping you in our prayers
We are very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all. Sending love & prayers.
Becca,
We are so sorry for your loss. We are praying for you all.
Love,
The Griffis Family
It was a great pleasure to get to know Jim and the family in the years James and Sarah have been married. He cherished each and everyone of you. He cared about his world and definitely left his mark. He loved and was well loved.
Carol and family
So sorry for your loss our thoughts and prayer are with you all.
R.I.P. Jim God Bless
Carol and Family, So very sorry to hear of Jim;s passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tamela and Family,
My heart and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Tamela,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. So sorry for your loss.
My deepest sympathy for your entire family. Jim was a good man.
We were Greatly Honored to have known such a "GREAT MENTOR" AND BIG BROTHER
Tamela, I am so sorry. I hope you and family members have sweet memories to compensate for your loss. Hugs
I am sorry for your loss. Praying for your family.
So sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you.
Joey, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family. May the Lord hold you up during this difficult time.
We have some very fond memories of living next to your family out on Padgett Road. It was good times!
It is always difficult when a loved one passes on. We each have to deal with the loss in our own time and in our own way. I hope your time in sorrowful mourning is short and your way is one of wonderful memories.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers!
David, Tricia and family.
I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was such a great man & I enjoyed working with him on Catholic Knights & then Catholic Financial projects. He will be truly missed. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time. May our good Lord hold you in His arms and shower you with comfort & peace. Margaret
So sorry to hear about Jim's passing. Our thought and prayers are with the family