James E. Stephenson

WINCHENDON - James E. "Papa Jim" Stephenson, 69, of 344 School Street, Winchendon died peacefully at his residence on Saturday, January 16th, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Binghamton New York on August 5,1940, the son of the late Albert C. and Clarice (Baker) Stephenson and had lived in Winchendon for 30 years, previously living in East Templeton for 7 years. Jim owned and operated Papa Jims Hot Dog Stand, a well known hot dog stand, from 1989 until his retirement 3 years ago. He first began selling soda and chips and hot dogs as a push cart vendor at little league games. His business grew to the degree, where thousands of residents stopped at his business in his years of operation to sample his 40 varieties of hot dogs. Through the years, his children and grandchildren all worked with him. He was once featured in the Phantom Gourmet magazine. Jim graduated from Binghamton High School in 1959 and then entered the Army. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam Conflict and later served in the Army National Guard. He was a member of Eugene M. Conner Post 193 American Legion and the NE "O" Scalers. An avid electric train and model train enthusiast, Jim attended many train shows throughout New England. He also enjoyed bowling and camping, but especially enjoyed spending time with this family. Before beginning his career as a hot dog vendor, Jim had worked as a mental health worker at Worcester State Hospital, at Cumberland Farms in East Templeton and Winchendon as a clerk and manager, at Simplex Time Recorder in the stock room, in advertising for the Gardner News and as a florist deliverer at the former Mack Florists. Jim had also served meals for the Winchendon Council on Aging. He leaves his wife of 41 years, Joan E. (Fagerstrom) Stephenson; nine children, Susan L. Bergevin of Baldwinville, James E. Stephenson Jr of Gardner, Robert Stephenson and his wife Stephanie of Virginia, William J. Daneault and his wife Donna of Auburn, Vicki L. Fiske-White and her husband Gary of Greenfield, Shawn M. Stephenson of Winchendon, Dawn M. Jones and her husband Keith of TN, Jason E. Daneault of Winchendon and Tara M. Pelkey and her husband Philip of Winchendon; one sister, Barbara Hilliker of Gardner, 19 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, two nieces and one nephew. He was predeceased by a daughter, Kathleen M. Daneault, who died in 1983 and a brother, Richard Stephenson.. Military funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 20th at 11 A.M. in the Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon. The Rev. Beverly Long will officiate. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Calling hours in the funeral home will be Tuesday, January 19th from 5 to 8 P.M. with a Legion Service at 7 P.M. Memorial donations may be made to Gardner Visiting Nursing Association Hospice Program, 34 Pearly Lane, Gardner, MA. 01440, American Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701 or to American Diabetes Association, 330 Congress Street, Boston, MA. 02210-1258. www.stone-ladeau.com