Jimmy Lee Stevens

Jimmy Lee Stevens, 77, of La Mesa, CA died in his home on May 10, 2025, after a long illness. Jimmy was born in 1948 in Gainesville, Texas to Selma McCarter and G.C. Stevens. He received his Master’s degree in psychology from North Texas State University in 1972, and worked as a psychologist in Florida, North Carolina, and California before settling in Lexington, KY, where he practiced for thirty-six years specializing in therapy with children and families. He loved his work, his colleagues, and his clients, and retired reluctantly in 2012 due to his progressing motor neuron disease. Jimmy and his wife Jacky moved to San Diego in 2014 to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Despite increasing limitations to mobility, Jimmy continued to live his life with gusto and a grand sense of humor. He will be profoundly missed.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Selma and J.D. McCarter, father and stepmother, G.C. and Flo Stevens, and sister, Jo Jean Meyers. He is survived by his wife, Jacky Thomas; three children, Arwen Hutt (Kevin Gray), Nathaniel Thomas-Stevens (Jackie Strong) and Ira Stevens (Ali Stevens); four grandchildren, Colton, Joslin, Eamon and Lyda; and brother, Richard Stevens. He is also survived by a host of other relatives and dear friends who love him deeply.

A remembrance service is scheduled at the Clark Legacy Center, 601 Brannon Road, Nicholasville KY from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 24th. Donations may be made in Jimmy’s honor to the ALS Association (ALS.org/donate) or to Elizabeth Hospice (elizabethhospice.org).

The family would like to express their gratitude to the hospice care team for their compassion and support during Jimmy’s illness.