Jack McKinley Stephenson III (“J”) was born to Jack McKinley, Jr, and Betty Lou Stephenson on February 24, 1964, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He passed away at the age of 61, in Dallas TX, on December 29, 2025. He was preceded in death by his father Jack McKinley Stephenson Jr. He is survived by his mother, Betty Lou Stephenson of Coppell, two older sisters, Cindy Wilson (married to Dr. John Wilson) of Addison, TX, and Linda (married to Randy Moon) of Coppell, his former wife, Leslie Stephenson, son Jackson Stephenson, IV and wife Demi, and son James Stephenson.

After his birth in New Orleans, J’s family moved to Oklahoma City and resided there as J grew from infancy through college. He attended West Nichols Hills kindergarten. He attended 1st-12th grade at Living Word Academy, a private Christian school in OKC, where, along with other activities, he loved being a part of the high school basketball team. He enjoyed music and learned to play the piano and guitar.

J’s dad, Jack, bought land in the 1960s on the north side of Arbuckle Lake in Sulphur OK upon which to create a vacation retreat for the family and their friends. Dr. Stephenson commissioned construction of a house made of large stone that upon completion was proudly named “Castle Rock.”

The family spent many weekends and vacations at Castle Rock, boating and skiing on Arbuckle Lake, hiking through the woods, fourth of July fireworks, riding mini-bikes, paddleboats, swimming, row boating, and fishing off their dock, and playing snooker on the large billiards table. Extended family and friends were always welcome and made for some of Castle Rock’s best memories. J was sure to make having a fun time at Castle Rock with his sons a priority.

Like his two sisters, J attended Oklahoma Christian University where he majored in accounting, graduating in 1986. and started working for Metro media paging in Dallas. He went on to obtain his CPA license which was active until his passing.

In 1988, J married his college sweetheart, Leslie. After his dad’s retirement, J and Leslie decided to move to Castle Rock area where J worked to manage his dad’s finances and supported his dad’s dream to develop a golf course and community around Castle Rock.

J and his family eventually moved back to Dallas, and he worked over the years for Southwestern Bell Mobile Systems, Cingular, and AT&T. J worked at AT&T in both audit and finance roles until his passing.

J was married to Leslie Stephenson for over 30 years during which time their two sons, Jackson and James were born. J and family we members of the Waterview church of Christ in Richardson, TX, where J served in various rolls, primarily on the finance team. J was very involved in his son’s lives. He coached James’ soccer teams, supported their music development, and supported them both through graduating from Plano Senior High School, and Jackson to graduate from UT Austin. His son Jackson and wife, Demi, and his son James now live in Austin.

J is remembered by many for his sense of humor and the joy he brought to others. He will be missed!

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