James W. Stevenson

James W. Stevenson, age 63, died suddenly Friday, June 12, 2009 at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa.
Jim was born December 6, 1945 to Geraldine (Carl) Fillman and the late Richard Dale Fillman in Des Moines, Iowa, and was later adopted by William P. Stevenson. He grew up on the South Side of Des Moines, attended Lincoln High School where he met and eventually married Catherine (Reynolds) Stevenson. James and Catherine had two daughters, Ginger Stevenson and Erika (Stevenson) Kilker.
Jim studied engineering at Iowa State University and graduated from Simpson College with honors in Computer Science. For the past 30 years, he has worked for Pioneer Hi-Bred International/DuPont in Johnston, Iowa, most recently as a Project Manager. His accomplishments include designing machinery, developing technology, and building many of the Pioneer plants.
The most important thing in his life was family and his life was centered around his wife, children and grandchildren. He will be remembered by them for many trips, picking up the grandchildren from school, stopping for snacks, going to movies, teaching driving, and helping with math problems. His family depended on his knowledge and unmatched clarity of thought.
Jim's many interests included his love for traveling in his RV. Travels took him and wife to the mountains, oceans and Badlands, both new and familiar places. He loved driving off-road in his Jeep, looking at the country up close. Growing up in the 1950's he developed an interest in cars and restored his 1955 Buick with joy. In the Navy Reserves he grew to love the sea. He also enjoyed the freedom of flying and learned to fly. Jim recently started fly-fishing classes and hoped to spend retirement traveling the western mountain streams with his wife and new RV.
Jim is survived by his wife Catherine (Reynolds) Stevenson, his daughters Virginia (Ginger) Stevenson and Erika (Stevenson) Kilker, his grandchildren Rosemary Stevenson, Dale Kilker, Gage Kilker, Madeleine Bradley and Leilani Bradley, and his mother Geraldine (Carl) Stevenson and his adoptive father William P. Stevenson.
Jim was preceded in death by his father Richard Dale Fillman and his brother William C. (Billy) Stevenson.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 16, at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 3820 SW 9th Street. The family will greet friends from 4:00-8:00 p.m., Monday, June 15 at the church.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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