James Edward Stiefvater

James "Jim" Edward Stiefvater of Bigelow passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on June 11, 2017. From his birth on January 22, 1941 in Conway, Arkansas to his death, Jim lived--and died--on his own terms. On June 18, 1968, Jim married Carol Ann (Atchley) Stiefvater at St. Joseph's Church in Conway, Arkansas together they raised four children. Jim was an active member of his community serving on multiple committees and organizations, including the Catholic Knights of America, St. Joseph Cemetery Commission, Financial Committee and Parish Council. He was also an active member of St. Boniface Catholic Church in Bigelow. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, in the 3rd and 4th degree, holding the position of 3rd degree Grand Knight. He also served in the Arkansas Army Reserves. After graduating from St. Joseph High School, Jim attended and earned a bachelor's degree from Arkansas State Teacher's College (now UCA). He had many careers including teaching Industrial Arts in Biggers, Arkansas and becoming a Mechanical Estimator in Portageville Missouri. He was an Estimator for Arkansas Mechanical Contracting from 1982 to 1988 and founded Industrial Mechanical in 1989. He also owned several other businesses including High Branch Tree Service and Sevier Plumbing and Heating both of Conway, Arkansas. Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather, friend to many, and the hardest working person they have ever known. He enjoyed flying his plane, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family. He touched many people in many ways throughout his lifetime. Jim was a man of few words but made those words count. Jim was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Edward Stiefvater and Louise Bernice (Hess) Stiefvater. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Carol Ann Stiefvater; children, Tamela (Andy) Smith, James (Sarah) Stiefvater, Joey (Nickie) Stiefvater, and Rebecca (Travis) Lauer; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; sister, Mary Ann Stiefvater; brothers, Ralph (Marilyn) Stiefvater, Ray Stiefvater, and Mark (LuAnn) Stiefvater. Rosary will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 14, 2017 with visitation to follow at Roller McNutt Funeral Home Chapel, Conway, Arkansas. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 15, 2017 at St. Boniface Catholic Church Bigelow, Arkansas. Pallbearers are Mark Stiefvater, Andy Smith, Austin Smith, Brandon Smith, Justin Davis, Clayton Poole, Joe Nabholz, and Ryan Newcomb. Burial will follow in St. Boniface Cemetery Bigelow, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in Jim's honor to American Thyroid Association to promote the research and education of anaplastic thyroid cancer. Services Entrusted to Roller McNutt Funeral Home Conway. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/conway.