James Rodney Stone

James Rodney Stone, 84, passed away surrounded by his wife and loved ones on September 25, 2026. Known as “Jamie” to his family and “Stone” professionally, he was a lifelong resident of Southeast Texas whose work, faith, and relationships defined the life he built.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Circle Drive Baptist Church in Bridge City, Texas. Officiating will be Reverend Jack Comer. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Orange, Texas.

Visitation time will be held the evening prior to the service, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Friday, October 2, 2026, at Circle Drive Baptist Church in Bridge City, Texas.

James was born in Alexandria, Louisiana on April 22, 1942, to Georgia Elizabeth (Odom) Stone and Arnold Stone and was raised in Bridge City, Texas. He was the younger brother of George Arnold Stone, with whom he shared a close bond throughout their lives. James remained especially devoted to George during his later years, sharing coffee with him each morning and being present until his passing.

James began his career as a pipe fitter in the chemical plants before establishing himself in custom home building. He brought exceptional craftsmanship and exacting standards to his work and took great pride in the homes he constructed. His attention to detail, knowledge, and insistence on doing things properly earned the respect of those who worked alongside him and those who entrusted him with their homes.

His Christian faith was the foundation of his life. James was a committed Southern Baptist who loved Scripture and spent considerable time studying it. He believed strongly in the authority of God's Word and in living according to his convictions. His faith informed the choices he made, the standards he maintained, and the way he approached his relationships with others. He also cared deeply that the people around him know Jesus Christ and understand Scripture for themselves.

James was known for his generosity with his time and knowledge. Friends regularly turned to him for advice, assistance with a project, or simply a willing ear. He developed friendships that lasted for decades, and many considered him their closest friend.

One of the happiest moments of his life was when he married his cherished and unwavering wife, Sheila Stone. Their 18 year marriage was grounded in their shared faith and marked by a deep devotion to one another. Sheila remained at James's side throughout his illness and final days, as she had throughout their life together. Their love for one another was evident to everyone who knew them, and the life they shared was one of the greatest blessings of his life.

James is survived by his wife, Sheila Stone; his eldest daughter Shannon Marie Stone and grandchildren Liam Downs, McClane (Downs) Polk and husband Paul Polk, Magnus Downs, Cailon Downs, Lochlann Downs, Aiden Downs; and great grandchildren Jeanette, Paul “Pauly” Jr., and Colt; and his youngest daughter Shantel Jeanette Stone (Bokich), son-in-law Conrad Bokich, and granddaughter Georgia Mae Bokich.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Georgia Elizabeth (Odom) Stone and Arnold Stone, and his brother, George Arnold Stone.

During his final days, friends traveled from near and far to spend time with James. They came to sit with him, hold his hand, pray with him, and sing to him. The outpouring of love surrounding his passing reflected the many enduring relationships he had formed throughout his lifetime.

James will be remembered for his craftsmanship, his convictions, his generosity, his devotion to his family and friends, and above all, his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ.

For those who share his faith, there is comfort in knowing that James Rodney Stone is now home with his Lord and Savior.

In lieu of flowers, the Stone family asks that donations be made in James's memory to Circle Drive Baptist Church at P.O. Box 184, Bridge City, Texas 77611.