James O'Kieffee Stables, Jr.

James O'Kieffee Stables, Jr., of Clemmons, NC born Sept. 21, 1943, age 80, went home to be with his Lord on January 1, 2024. Jim was the son of the late James O'Kieffee Stables and Christine Burton Stables from Narrows, Va. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant brother, Robert Brown Stables and two sisters, Margo Stables Thompson and Donna Stables Oney. He will be sadly missed by his wife of 56 years, Rora Josephine "Jo" Shepherd Stables as well as his son, Christopher Scott Stables (Sharon) and two granddaughters, Elliott Louise and Frances Kate Stables of Cornelius, NC. He is also survived by a sister Deborah Stables Edmonson (Ron) of Charlotte, NC, and a stepsister, Judith Winters (Dr. Mark) of Virginia Beach, Va.

After losing his mom in 8th grade, it became Jim's life's mission to "make the most of his God given potential to honor her.

Jim was a member of Clemmons United Methodist Church, having served in financial roles and on various service projects. Thanks to the CUMC's online ministry, Jim faithfully continued regular worship after covid and illness made it unwise to attend in person. He enjoyed serving his community by volunteering at several service organizations, including Samaritan Ministries, Clemmons Food Pantry, Shepherd Center of Greater Winston-Salem, Habitat for Humanity, United Way, and prison ministries.

In 1962 Jim graduated with honors from Narrows High School where he played basketball, set a long­standing state track record, and played quarterback on the undefeated state championship football team. In 1966 he received a BS degree in accounting from Concord College where he lettered on the track team while working to put himself through school. In 1985 he earned an MBA degree in business administration from the executive Wake Forest University School of Business while working a full-time job at Sara Lee.

Jim served his country in active duty 1966-1969, receiving the U.S. Army Commendation Medal in 1968 for his 6-month tour of duty as an army logistics distribution officer during Tet Offensive at the supply depot in Long Binh, Vietnam. From 1969-1971, he served on weekends in the reserves in Radford, Va., advancing to the rank of captain.

In May, 1967 Jim married Jo, the love of his life and a sophomore at Radford University. So that they could have together time on weekends, Jim drove ten hours each week for the next two years while sending her through school and completing his military service. This experience formed the basis for a valued relationship and an appreciation for time spent together.

Jim began working at a very young age taking any available odd job to help with his and his sisters' school expenses. His 37-year career in the textile industry began in 1969 and took him and his family to Celanese Fibers Corporation of America in Narrows, Va. and Charlotte, NC; to National Spinning in Warsaw, NC, Washington, NC, and Long Beach, California; to Salem Carpet Mills, Inc. in Ringgold, Ga; and finally, to the Hanes family of companies in Winston-Salem, NC where he retired in 2006 as a financial executive after 29 years of service.

Jim couldn't stand for anything not to work and quite often was called upon by family and friends to fix something broken. For this, he earned the nickname "Cooter". Jim seldom avoided a job needing done and never gave up until the job was either done or the object was further broken beyond repair; but we knew he wasn't stubborn because he told us so, calling it perseverance. A co-worker once said that the way to motivate Jim was to tell him that it couldn't be done. His hobbies included wood working, home improvement projects, and assembling cheap plastic Christmas toys. He was an avid sports fan following many teams in many sports to victory and defeat.

Jim had such a soft heart for children, so it is not surprising that the quickest way to his heart was through his son and granddaughters. He enjoyed coaching little league baseball, basketball, and soccer as much as Scott enjoyed playing. His competitiveness in sports was another example of his "perseverance" trait. When the granddaughters were around, they always got his full attention. Jim often teased the granddaughters as to who loved whom the most and never stopped the conversation until he had had the last word (something he was good at), saying that he loved them more than they loved him. As the children grew in years, he closely followed all their accomplishments and milestones with great pride.

Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend who, throughout his life, placed the needs of others first. His heartfelt expressions of love, in word and deed, will forever be cherished.

To all those who cared for and supported Jim and his family throughout his long multiple myeloma journey, "thank you so very much" as he would say.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Clemmons United Methodist Church, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or a charity of choice.

To honor his wishes, an immediate family celebration of life will be held.

"You have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7) Rest peacefully, beloved. Having you in our family has been an honor and joy. Today we celebrate you Home.