John R. Stephens Jr. (Jack) age 97, passed away Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Tacoma General Hospital. A memorial service to commemorate his life will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026 from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Chambers Creek Chapel at New Tacoma Cemetery.

Jack Stephens was born in Tacoma, Washington on May 8, 1929, to Helen (Burnett) and John Rae Stephens. He was preceded in death by his wife, Kay (Mosier), and three siblings; sister, Helen (Frances) Schlesser, and two brothers: Donald and George Stephens. George went M.I.A. in Korea in 1952.

Jack graduated from Stadium High School Class of 1947. During both his junior and senior years, he worked summers for commercial contractors clearing Right-of-Ways and helping to build power lines for Bonneville Power (BPA). After high school, Jack attended Bentel and Knapp Business Colleges.

In 1951, Jack was drafted into the Army serving within the United States and Japan. He was discharged at Fort Lewis (now JBLM) during the end of 1952.

Jack met his wonderful wife, Kay (Mosier), in 1947 while working, clearing Right-of-Ways on Stevens Pass. They were married upon his discharge from the Service in 1952.

Jack leaves behind his three wonderful sons; Jeff (Cindy) Stephens, Mark (Tina) Stephens and Scott (Michele) Stephens. Six beloved grandchildren; Carly (David) Huff, Crislee (Jeff) Blume, Ryan (Maggie) Stephens, Allie (Jake) Andersen, Patrick (Capri) Stephens and Madison Stephens. He was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren; Caylen & Cora Huff, Logan & Austin Stephens, Olin & Cenley Blume and soon to be newborn, Henry Stephens.

After completing his time of Service, Jack went back to work as an estimator for Commercial Electrical Contractor, Carl T. Madsen Inc. and succeeded in bidding one of their largest jobs: Tacoma's County City Building.

He continued working at Madsen Electric until 1960, after which he and his childhood friend, Dick Jardeen, (Electrical Engineer who previously worked for his father's company, Jardeen Electric), established their own commercial electrical contracting company - Totem Electric of Tacoma, Inc.

As co-owner of Totem Electric, Jack stayed actively involved with NECA's  (National Electrical Contractors Association) local Southwest chapter serving on their negotiating and labor management committees as well as various other ones. He also actively served on numerous committees with AGC (Associated General Contractors Association).

In addition to operating Totem Electric of Tacoma, Inc., Jack and Dick also maintained a Sheet Metal firm for several years called: A & M Sheet Metal.

Their sheet metal company completed several major projects that included a successful joint venture partnership in the construction of the Tacoma Dome.

During his lengthy career, Jack's other business interests included Banking, which led him to become one of the founding directors of the Union Bank of Tacoma, where he served as chairman until it was acquired by Western Community Bank. He continued serving as a board member at WCB until it was acquired by Key Bank. After that, he continued in Banking as founding director of Sound Banking Company until his retirement in 2014.

Jack's extensive banking experience brought further opportunities for him to actively serve on committees with the Tacoma-Pierce County YMCA on Pearl street throughout its construction phase, and act as chairman overseeing the continued construction of both the Lakewood and downtown Tacoma YMCA facilities.

Jack and Kay were active members at Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church in Gig Harbor, Washington for many years. During their time there, they were instrumental in helping Chapel Hill acquire its Pipe Organ. Additionally, Kay was very supportive in helping grow their Youth Ministries program, while Jack served on building committees and assisted in acquisitions for expansion and Capital campaigns.

Although Totem Electric of Tacoma, Inc. is no longer in operation, it remained a successful family-owned business for well over sixty years. Today, Totem Electric's historic building still stands and currently provides long-term commercial tenancy.

In addition to family, Jack leaves behind many fine friends he held fond memories of, but particularly, his dearest friend and companion for many years, Terry Kist.

It is Jack's final prayer that God's Blessings be with all of you.