REFLECTIONS - James Stephens
REFLECTIONS
Legend Nominee: James Stephens
Our Legend articles feature men and women that represent all that is positive within an industry in need of highlighting our heroes. Professional truck drivers run local work and across the country, some remain on the road for many weeks to months at a time. The strenuous work schedule and responsibilities required are accepted by each driver, though stated by many that having a strong support system to manage “home base” during their departure is their biggest asset to accomplishing a successful career.
Every driver must recite their goodbyes often, which commonly generate emotions of guilt and regret, but their dedication to providing for their loved ones keeps them focused. Drivers evolve through stages, just like the individuals living at home. The stresses of everyday life may unfold in different cities or time zones, but the need to feel loved and appreciated feeds the soul of all ages – playing a vital role in the efficiency of a professional truck driver living away on the road.
Our expansive community of Legend drivers include veterans of service, millennials, females and old school drivers. Teams previously highlighted were married couples, fathers and sons, or long-time friends. Each life story unique in their own right, beautifully formed and tailored to this exact moment. Though a truck driver by profession, as a parent, spouse, family member or close friend, these relationships exceed a time-clock and carry forth for years to come.
This Legend driver is 80 years old, beginning his driving career at the impressive age of 12. The number of miles driven throughout his lifetime extend millions upon millions, earning him several awards recognizing his safety efforts, as well as being named Driver of the Year and Driver of the Month recipient multiple times. His passion to travel the country and drive a truck for a living took place over a half a century ago; since then, his heart began to fill with some of life’s most precious treasures.
First, meeting his loving wife, Gloria – the couple exchanged vows in 1962 – celebrating their 57th wedding anniversary in April. Next, came their 4 sons and daughter, followed by 14 grandchildren, as their third generation of babies continue to grow their family’s lineage. His life story not only incorporates learning lessons for our reading audience, but serves as a memoir for his loved ones, displaying core values, family history, and life experiences that helped shape him into the man so many know and adore today.
A person’s legacy is not dependent upon finances or materialistic value; the focus of one’s legacy is to leave behind a lasting sense of purpose for loved ones to follow. Enabling further generations to succeed based on the foundation of one’s positive ideals, good health and work ethic have the power to withstand years of evolution.
Oklahoma-native, James Stephens plans to make his mark on the world by living on through the lives of everyone he has impacted over the course of 80 years on this earth.
DESIRING SUCCESS
Born and raised in Durant, Oklahoma, the second to oldest of 11 kids, the need to discover his own path began early for James. Leaving home in 1951 at 12 years old, James joined the amusement industry, securing work hauling the front gate for carnival owner, Jack Ruback. During each show, James operated one the rides, entertaining crowds of visitors who traveled near and far to partake in the highly anticipated seasonal festivities. The carnival workers toured months at a time, frequenting the same locations in specific states across the nation.
For 3 years, James drove a 1946 Chevrolet truck, transporting the carnival’s front gate – the most important piece – the entrance and first impression for all guests as they walk onto the carnival grounds. Outdoors with a family-friendly atmosphere, carnivals were popular for their fun rides (of all ages), exhibits presenting animals or hands-on crafting stations, and the wide array of food that all children should have memories of… funnel cakes, fried apples, and so forth… don’t forget the freshly squeezed lemonade – all carnival staples and must haves!
By 17, James switched traveling groups and went to work for a Texas-based carnival known as the, Bill Hames Show, driving their trucks and managing games. He worked the show for one season, then returned home to Oklahoma. There he landed a job at a local manufacturer, loading cotton and seeds onto the moving trucks. One year in, he obtained his CDL, switched positions, and began running grain trucks and flatbedding. Primarily self-taught, a seasoned driver by the name of, Spider offered a few helpful tips that he still applies today – often reflecting back on those days of old school drivers, the pride they displayed in their profession, and the need to honor the industry these veterans had paved before him. Stating,
“Little things, such as, pulling in to a truck stop. So many drivers fly in too fast! I was taught to pull in like you’re somebody. I remember seeing trucks like that as a kid, they would coast in with a calmness that made you stand and stare.”
James drove for the company 3 years, returning home nearly every night. By age 21, he moved to Texas full-time, working in the oil field pulling water tanks. During a trip home to visit with family, he discovered his brother had tied the knot. James’ new sister-in-law had a cousin by the name of Gloria. When the two met, James knew immediately she was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. April 27th, 1962 the pair went down to the county court house and the rest is history.
Wanting to remain close to home, James came off the road and worked at a truck stop. His hiatus lasted one year, then he was back to pulling flatbed in the oil field, running regional work. Over time, he switched to a produce company pulling refrigerated freight for 12 years. In the early 80’s, James became an owner operator, purchasing his first truck – a Western Star, with a mural of an old timey train stretched across mountains and deserts, complete with the train’s smoke billowing along the top of the trailer.
OVERCOMING THE ODDS
The first of many, James went on to own up to 30 trucks throughout his career as an owner operator. But even the thick-skin and self-confidence of this go-getter can’t outwork the wrath of cancer. Diagnosed in 2013 with throat cancer, James underwent surgery to remove 33 lymph nodes followed by immediate chemotherapy and radiation treatments. He survived on a feeding tube for a year and a half, dropping significantly in weight from 265 pounds down to 119. Overcoming the odds, James was declared cancer-free in 2015 and now rests comfortably at 132 pounds.
When cleared to return to driving, he was back to pulling a flatbed hauling insulated pipes. Three years ago, James joined Choice Transport as an independent contractor. Located in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, established in 2002 as a power only transport, James picks up and delivers trailers to dealerships across the country – proudly serving all 48 states. Greatly appreciating the family-oriented environment of the workplace, James is also grateful for the respective staff in which he stays in contact with, from dispatch to the safety department. Of all his years running over-the-road, he speaks very highly of his experience with Choice Transport. The company’s values mirror his own, and how they treat their drivers speaks volumes.
More advice received during his earlier years under the wing of Spider and the entire old school era of truckers – the pioneers of their generation and today’s patrons – driving safely wasn’t so much of a safety measure, but more of a second nature type of skill. When driving a semi-truck and loaded trailer, the ability to come to a halt needs to be done in a timely fashion or accidents can result to casualties.
To avoid accidents, James says to maintain a clear and open path a mile ahead, from left to right. Leading to another precautionary rule of thumb that coincide two together: leave plenty of space to stop and always try to have a place to go. Meaning, if you cannot stop in time, it’s better to find yourself on the shoulder of a road, rather than involved in a collision. The outside pavement or gravel area can be used as an emergency stopping lane, in such cases as to avoid a potential mishap. James continues,
“I remember the older drivers stayed on top of all that, constantly repeating those bits of advice. Which they had to be doing something right, because here I am still doing this for a whole lifetime. I could still easily run 1,000 miles a day if I needed to – it’s illegal, of course – but I trained myself to be comfortable with it. I hauled a lot of wide loads, running 1,400-mile trips. It takes a lot of patience in this line of work. Patience, dedication, and a love for every bit of it as a driver… or else this isn’t for you.”
SHINING EXAMPLE
Professional truck drivers, dating back 30 to 40 years ago were dubbed “outlaws” by descriptive terms, although they represented a working class of individuals that worked night and day, tireless hours without all the access that technology offers now. Maybe in hindsight, that’s what separated them from the average Joe.
CB radios were the only connection to others while stuck inside of a truck. James operated under the handle: Boxcar Willy, inherited from a highly respected trucker – James honored his friend’s alias by adding the name in design on his truck. A quick call home to the family back then, meant having to make a pit stop (preferably one within a truck parking vicinity), then scrounge up enough loose change to place a call from an outdoor pay phone. James states that he will never succumb to the need of a computer but enjoys being able to dial one of his kids or grandkids and strike up a conversation within seconds.
Having his family around, even if for a quick visit, always brings James such joy. When alone, he likes to watch reruns of his favorite TV show, Gunsmoke – the second longest running series of our time. Motorcycle racing and kick boxing tend to hold his attention too. If you didn’t know any better, James’ 80-year old body frame missed out on the memo clarifying his age. He says, “I just like to work, it’s all I know, 80 years old or not. I always did my own maintenance work when I wasn’t away on the road. So, after all of this time, slowing down isn’t something that comes easy for me.”
Healing from a broken hip, his recovery time is the vacation he never knew he needed, while his gypsy soul is eager to jump back in his truck and hit the open road. Although his family is his only priority, reflecting on his life’s journey, driving a truck for a living provided opportunities that a young boy from Durant, Oklahoma could only have dreamed of. His wish of a legacy is for his loved ones to live a life of hope and dreams with the confidence to chase after their goals. And to share a love for this world; a desire to continue his process of leaving behind a little good in it for everyone else to enjoy.