Jesse James Stem, Jr.

Henderson- Jesse James Stem, Jr., 86, of Henderson died Saturday, September 23, 2023 at his home. Born September 29, 1936 in Granville County, he was the son of the late Jesse James Stem, Sr. and Lena Blanch Wade Stem. He was a member of Harris Chapel United Methodist Church where he served as Sunday School superintendent. He worked as a supervisor for Bowers and Burroughs AAA Gas Company, retiring after 32 years. After retirement he continued to work as manager of Southern Gate Propane Terminal for 12 years. In addition to his career he farmed as well as raised goats and cattle. In his free time he enjoyed hunting and fishing, but most of all he loved his family dearly and was a devoted husband, father, and papa. Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 3:00 P.M. at Harris Chapel United Methodist Church by Rev. Jenny Wilson. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Mr. Stem is survived by his daughter, Susan Holtzman and husband, Charles of Henderson; two grandsons, Justin Holtzman, and wife, Jamie, of Manson and Kyle Holtzman and wife, Deborah Leigh, of Henderson; a granddaughter, Jill Perkinson and husband, Brad, of Henderson; nine great grandchildren, Mackenzie Holtzman, Natalie Holtzman, Piper Holtzman, Lena Holtzman, Kyleigh Holtzman, Carley Holtzman, Emory Perkinson, Anderson Perkinson, and Owen Perkinson; his brother William "Willie Jack" Stem and wife, Shirley of Oxford; and two sisters, Norma Kay Stem Lewis of Rocky Mount and Margaet Mooneyhan of Raleigh. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Vallie Owen Stem. Serving as pallbearers will be Kyle Holtzman, Justin Holtzman, Brad Perkinson, Pete Lewis, Jessie Lewis, Bennett Wise and Martin Royster. The family will receive friends following the service on Thursday at Harris Chapel and at other times at the home. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Harris Chapel United Methodist Church, C/O Lawrence Brame, 280 Kelly Road, Henderson, NC 27537.