James Stedman

James T. "J.T." Stedman

Age 81 of Gardner, passed away Thursday March 01, 2007 at the Joliet Area Community Hospice Home in Joliet.

Born February 06, 1926 in Drew, Mississippi, James was a son of the late Lloyd and Liza (Alexander) Stedman. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and served during World War II. James retired from Fisher Body after numerous years of service and was a member of the UAW Local and Wesleyan Church in Joliet. James enjoyed fishing and fixing cars, but most of all his family and home.

Survivors include his loving wife Jean (Hannah); two sons: Bob (Debbie) Stedman of Marseilles and Mike Stedman of Gardner. Three daughters: Dorothy Stedman of Godley, Barbara Smith of Morris and Debbie (Ken) Knepper of Braidwood. Six grandchildren; four great grandchildren; one brother Jimmy (Ann) Stedman of Nesbitt, Mississippi and two sisters: Doris of Memphis, Tennessee and Mamie of Charlesdale, Mississippi, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday March 06, 2007 between the hours of 5:00PM and 8:00PM at Reeves Funeral Home, 219 North Joliet Street (two blocks North of Illinois Route 53 / Baltimore Street) in Wilmington. Funeral services will then follow on Wednesday March 7th at 10:00AM in the funeral home with Pastor Peter Lapez from Wesleyan Church in Joliet officiating.

Burial with full military honors will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood and pallbearers will be: Bob Stedman, Mike Stedman, Bob Stedman, Jr., Jim Smith, Frankie Staats and Keith Smith.

Friends may sign the online guestbook by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in James memory to Joliet Area Community Hospice, 250 Waterstone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431.

Funeral services and arrangements are under the direction of Reeves Funeral Home in Wilmington.