August 29, 2023

Please accept our sincere sympathy.  May the love of friends bring you comfort in all the days to come.
Each of you are kept in our prayers.
Jeff and Lee Charles

August 26, 2023

I would like to express my condolences to Cathy, James, Elizabeth and their families. Jim was a teaching colleague of mine for 35 years, but my best memories are of working with him during my 11 years as athletic director. His coaching skills and demeanor were first-rate. After he began the boys soccer program in 1979 it only took 6 years for “Wyo” to reach the pinnacle in Berks County – tying powerhouse Fleetwood and being declared 1985 Co-Champions of the Berks Conference. Nine years later Jim and his players made school athletic history when they became the first team to win a state championship for the Wyomissing Area Spartans. Jim will never be forgotten
Matt Ecker

August 25, 2023

I remember Jiim as a genuine, friendly guy. We would play each other yearly in preseacon soccer, back in the days when we were both coaching. I am sorry for your loss!  Lanny Ammon

August 24, 2023

My condolences to Jim’s family.  When I pledged to join the Tau Gamma Lamba fraternity at Millersville, Jim (Lerch) was assigned to be my big brother. He guided me on the path to fraternal brotherhood. He owns a special place in my heart. 
David ‘Jake ‘ Hartman

August 24, 2023

Dear Stevens’ Family,
It was with deep sadness that I read of Jim’s passing. Like many parents in the Wyomissing Area School District, I am indebted to Jim for the positive influence he had upon the students he taught and coached throughout his long and dedicated career. Our older son is a visual learner and has always loved working with wood and using his hands, so he really enjoyed “shop.” So much so that his successful career has been in the construction industry. Our younger son, who graduated in 1993, was coached by Jim on the soccer team.  He plays to this day and his daughter has also loved the sport.
When I told them that Jim had passed, they recalled for me many stories about the good times and lessons learned. Jim guided so many students to find the best in themselves, to complete a task begun, to enjoy nature, to practice good sportsmanship, and to find pride in doing the right thing. Above all Jim was an honorable man wholead by example and brought pride to the teaching profession. It was my honor to know Jim for the fourteen years as a school director and watch him quietly, but profoundly influence generations of students. My husband also enjoyed many hunting expeditions with Jim at the Frymoyer farm. Jim will be missed by all who knew him. 
Judy Stoudt

August 23, 2023

Dear Cathy, I’m so sorry for your loss. May you be surrounded and comforted by your loved ones 🙏
Susan Miller
 

August 22, 2023

To the Stephens family,
Sending our sincere condolences for Jim’s passing.  It’s been many years, but we always appreciated
you all as neighbors, peace and blessings at this time.
 
Kelly and Sharon Fasnacht

August 22, 2023

I’ve always been impressed by Jim’s sense of humor and kindness. He was loved by his Wyo colleagues and students. My heart goes out to the Stevens family. ~Joan Yox

August 22, 2023

To the extended Stephens Family,
Please accept my sincere condolences on Jim’s passing. You truly have lost a good man. I have great memories of our time, together, at Millersville State College. He was a TΓΛ Brother and a true gentleman. He treated everyone he encountered with dignity and respect. May our happy memories of Jim give us all some measure of comfort. Requiescat in pace, Jim. 
Gregg Overmeyer

August 22, 2023

Dear Stephens Family,
Coach Stephens was a fantastic coach.  I had the privilege of playing on his varsity soccer team in 1985 and 1986.  His encouragement of his players is a lasting memory that still resonates with me today.  My heartfelt condolences to you. 
With warm regards,
George Chen, Class of 1987

August 22, 2023

Cathy, JM, Lizzie an family,
Sending hugs and prayers to all of you.  We all had lot of fun in our younger years living on Ashland Avenue.  May these memories help thru those rough times.
Dave & Joyce Wilhide

August 22, 2023

Coach Stephens brought the joy of soccer to us all when I played for him in the late 80s. And I’m still playing on two adult teams at age 50. He will forever be the father of high school soccer in Wyomissing. He was also a wonderful person who didn’t give up on the most troubled kids on the team. I will always remember him for a wry smile and a big heart. Sorry for your loss.
Gage Crump

August 22, 2023

Heartfelt sympathy to Cathy and family. Jim and I started teaching together in 1971 and have been best friends ever since. Memories of our golf outings, Canadian fishing trips, and hunting at our cabin will forever be remembered and cherished. RIP my friend.
Tom Scholvin

August 22, 2023

Cathy.  So sorry to hear about Jim’s death.  Know that I am offering prayers for you and the family and reminding you that in your sorrow you will find peace in the promise of resurrection through Christ who is our resurrection and life. Peace and love, Pastor Bettger

August 22, 2023

Cathy and Family –
So sorry to hear about the loss of your husband, father and grandfather, Jim.  He surely touched many lives during his time here on earth, and wuill be missed by many.
Gail and Bob Harker

August 22, 2023

Our sincere condolences to the Stephens family.
Phil & Francy Collins

August 21, 2023

So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a great person and a wonderful coach.
Bob Wolfrum