James Aaron Stevenson

James Aaron "Jeff" Stevenson, 76, passed away peacefully Monday morning with his wife beside him, Dec. 30, 2013, at St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center in Twin Falls, Idaho. Jeff was born March 5, 1937 in Fayetteville, TN. He was the only child of James Aaron "Doc" Stevenson and Laura Belle Birdsong. His Dad was killed when he was 13 and he joined the Navy right after his 17th birthday to provide support for his Mom who was always the shining light in his life. He was proud of being a sailor and learned to cook during his tour of duty. He was stationed at Treasure Island, CA and served aboard the USS Cahokia ATA-186. In 1959 he married Carole Rae Cornelissen and they had two beautiful daughters, Sheri Ramsell and Dina Bohacek. In 1988 he married Kathryn Scott Miller and acquired 3 step children who loved him dearly. Scott (Sharon) Miller, Pamela Laugen, and Jeff (Lori) Miller. After getting out of the service he continued to exercise his trade and eventually became the Executive Chef for more than 25 years at the popular Elegant Bib in Alamo, California. He then owned and operated his own restaurant, Stevenson's Mallard House, in Benicia, California, for more than 10 years before going into semi-retirement. In 2005 he moved to Twin Falls Idaho and enjoyed traveling to his favorite place, Yellowstone National Park, almost yearly. He was preceded in death by his parents who were waiting for him with open arms. He is survived by his wife, Kathy, his two daughters, Sheri and Dina, his step-children, Scott, Pamela, and Jeff, 16 grand-children and 8 great-grandchildren. As he requested there will be no funeral and he will be cremated. His remains will be interred at Sacrament Valley National Cemetery and will have a graveside military service in the spring. The exact date will be announced at a later date. The family would like to thank all the staff at St. Luke's Magic Valley who cared for him during the last 10 days of his life. They were so compassionate and professional that words can never convey how caring they made Jeff and his family feel. Special thanks go to Dr. Brian Fortuin who was so extremely helpful and supportive in making some very difficult decisions.
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