James Charles Stephens

James Charles Stephens passed away peacefully on November 3, 2026, in Cathedral City, California, at the age of 88. He was born on April 7, 1938, in Edwardsville, Illinois, to Charles and Adelaide Stephens, and moved to California with his family at a young age.

Jim was an All-American basketball player at Cal State Los Angeles and went on to a very successful high school coaching career, his last and most successful stop being Marina High School. He then taught mathematics and coached basketball at Los Angeles Valley College until retiring as a professor. In 2001, he was inducted into the California Community College Men's Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Above all, he was a man of unwavering Catholic faith, always making a home in the local parish wherever he lived. Fiercely competitive, he loved water ski racing, tennis, pickleball, poker, bridge, and the horse races, and he always played to win. He also found joy in fishing, tending his garden, and baking. His desserts were the highlight of every family gathering, and nothing meant more to him than time with his family.

He is survived by his daughters, Cindy (Peter), Stephanie (Mark), and Cheryl; his grandchildren Kristen, Cody, Eric, Carly, John, Nicole, and Randi; and his great-grandchildren Olivia, Freya, and Fisher. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Charles; and his sisters, Roseann and Mary.

A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, December 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 43775 Deep Canyon Road, Palm Desert. A Celebration of Life will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar, 73-595 El Paseo, Palm Desert; tropical attire encouraged. Please RSVP to Cindy Sundquist at [email protected]. Inurnment will take place at a later date at St. Theresa Columbarium in Palm Springs