James (Jim/Steve) Spencer Steverson was born on October 3, 1935, in Kerrville, TN to the late Willie and Adessa (Lewis) Steverson. The family moved to Memphis, TN where they split their time between living in the city and sharecropping. James graduated from Manassas High School in Memphis in 1953. Shortly after graduating, he moved to Davenport, IA with the family.

On February 7, 1958, James married Dorothy (Dot/Dottie) McCray. Three children were born into this 60-year union: Kevin James, Craig Spencer, and Tracy Olivia. James was a devoted husband and father.

James accepted Christ at an early age. As a youngster, he was a proud member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Memphis. He was a Third Missionary Baptist Church member and then Progressive Baptist Church in Davenport, IA. James was an active member of the Trustee Board for over 30 years, he served in the Bus Ministry where he: transported delegates during the Annual Wood River Conventions, drove lay members to various meetings and functions, and transported children to field trips for the Our House Pre-School which was affiliated with the church. James also loved attending Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) with his wife, brother-in-law, and sister-in-law (Junior and Ramona McCray).

James was a career Truck driver. Over the years, he was employed by Wonder Bread, Kroger, Dohrn Transfer, Hon and UPS. He courageously drove 18-wheeler semis and hauled double trailers. James enjoyed chatting with other truckers on his CB radio where his “handle” was the “Referee”. James retired in 1996 with 30+ years as a proud Teamster and union member. He subsequently volunteered as a van driver for the late Dr. Lawrence Hunter and the Center for Active Seniors, Inc. (CASI).

James was an avid sports fan. He displayed his talent as a “semi-pro” football and basketball player with the Davenport Park Board. He enjoyed encouraging the youth by serving as a high school football, basketball, and baseball referee for over 20 years. He LOVED the Iowa Hawkeyes and watched all the Chicago sports teams, especially the Bulls, Cubs, and Bears. As a fan of track and field, he, his wife Dot, and their friends attended the Annual Drake Relays since 1972. His greatest sports highlights were attending the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. He enjoyed participating in various bowling leagues, playing cards, and traveling with friends.  James’ most current pastime was being a news junkie, watching countless hours of the daily news and reading the newspaper. 

James could often be found having breakfast/brunch at Hy-Vee with “the guys”. His ultimate high point was being a grandparent; his granddaughters were his favorite people. 

Those left to cherish his memories are his son, Kevin Steverson of Chicago, IL, and daughter Tracy (Vincent) George of Davenport, IA.  Grandchildren: Sherrell Wideman, Gabrielle George, Mya Jones, Makaya Jones, and Sydney George; sister Evelyn Thompson, brother Paul Steverson; Godsons Erich Walker and Nolan Ragston and a host of family and friends. 

James was preceded in death by his wife, parents, brothers (Robert and Marvell), and a son, Craig Spencer.   

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