Obituary of James STANCIL

James Raymond StancilDecember 2, 1936 - October 20, 2008The family of James Raymond Stancil sadly announces the death of their loved one. James was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on December 2, 1936 and left this earth on October 20, 2008, at the age of 71. On November 13, 1958, James united in marriage to Hisako Hamasaki, and born in their union were one daughter and two sons. They were to have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary next month.James proudly served his country as a United States Marine from 1954 until 1964. His service to his country and commitment to our freedom and independence is greatly appreciated. After leaving the military, James pursued a career in meatcutting, which he worked his way through the ranks of apprentice, journeyman, and finally holding several different managerial and supervisorial positions with Lucky's, Albertsons, Plowboys, etc. He served as a meatcutter for approximately 23 years, until his medical retirement in 1988.We will remember his passionate spirit, enjoying the fervor of life and the relationships he welcomed. As a husband and father, he provided for his family honorably. He enjoyed playing pinochle and various card games with Hisako and their friends. James also loved to play games with the family, and that love has created a tradition for his kids and grandkids. In the most pressing of circumstances, James took care of his wife through her ailments and battles with Hepatitis C and her eventual liver transplant. His death is especially difficult for his wife and best friend of almost 50 years. James loved to take part in his kids' events and activities, making sure he didn't miss being "there" for their life events. He taught his children many great characteristics in their upbringing, such as respect, hard work, commitment, appreciation, courtesy, generosity, hospitality, sacrifice, and love. They cannot express enough their appreciation and respect for those gifts they carry through their lives today.Although difficult to express verbally, James was so very proud of his family, the adults his kids grew to be, and the values that are displayed in their lives. These traits are a direct reflection of the upbringing they were given by James and Hisako, and they are so proud to be called their children."Grandpa", as his grandkids would call him, got so much life from his kids' children. As he did during his own children's youth, James would take opportunities to be at events and activities for his grandkids. Although a sometimes tough exterior, the grandkids melted grandpa's heart into a teddy bear. We will miss the time we can no longer share with you, and we are thankful with the understanding that you made a choice to be baptized with our Saviour Jesus when you were eight, and that you hold to your acceptance of His gift as a youngster. Our hearts rest in the hope of a resolved salvation, and that we will one day meet again in the presence of our creator. We, as a family, look forward to that glorious day. Until that day, we trust in his comfort and peace with God, and the work we have been left to do in obedience to our maker.Surviving James is his loving wife, Hisako Hamasaki Stancil; daughter, Catherine Lynn (Kevin) Deverell of Lake Havasu, Arizona; sons, Jeffery Ray (Liane) Stancil of Lake Havasu, Arizona, and Kenneth Roy (America) Stancil of Villa Park, California. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Justin (Myriam) Nowland, Brandon (Kellie) Nowland, Ciera Stancil, Charlene Silva, Jessie Stancil, Shawna Stancil, Sophia Stancil; and two great granddaughters, Emma Nowland and Alana Silverman. James is predeceased by his sister Muriel Bishop formerly of Kingman, Arizona.Services for James Raymond Stancil will be held on Friday, October 24, 2008 at 4 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 1605 S. McCullough in Lake Havasu, Arizona. Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.comArrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home & Crematory.