James Michael "Mike" Stephens, 81 of Effingham, died at 2:57 a.m., November 21, 2015 in Plano, Texas with family at his side.  He died from ALS (Lou Gehrig) disease which he was diagnosed with in the spring of 2012.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 28, 2015 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Effingham. Burial will be held in St. Anthony Cemetery with military rites; dinner following at the Sacred Heart Parish Center.  In lieu of flowers or plants, donations to ALS Association, Paralyzed Veterans Association or your favorite charity in Mike's memory are appreciated.

Mike as born September 11, 1934 in Effingham, the son of Martha F. Gibson and Paul R. Stephens.  He was married to Mary Jo Tolch for 35 years until her death in 1997.

He was a lifelong resident of Effingham except for a 2 year stint in the Army (1957-59) and 2 short relocations with his employer, and most recently his stay in Texas for care required due to his ALS.  While he made the best of his time in Texas he longed for his friends and family back in Effingham.  He greatly appreciated the thoughts, prayers and simple gestures of kindness he received from his friends and family from all over as he bravely faced the inevitable that comes with ALS.  It was those actions that sustained him over the past years.  While the ALS over time stripped Mike of his physical abilities, it did not diminish his deep love and concern for his family and others' well-being and his desire to keep living life to its fullest.

Mike loved the movie theatre business, having spent his entire career in the business starting as an usher at age 15 and working his way up to General Manager of Frisina Enterprise in 1977 where he oversaw operation of 32 theatres located in Illinois, Missouri and Iowa.  In 1979, he and his wife, Mary Jo, formed PCK Theatres acquiring the Heart Theatre, Village Cinema and Rustic Starlight Drive-in.  Over the years, Mike gave many people employment opportunities including high school students and those with physical and mental challenges.

Mike was a member of Sacred Heart Church, B.P.O. Elks and the Knights of Columbus.

Surviving are his son, Paul W. (Jane) Stephens of Frisco, TX; two daughters, Cindy (Steve) Williams of Plano, TX and Kim A. (Brian) Deters of Effingham; sister, Beverly Niccum of Effingham.  He is the proud grandfather of 6 grandchildren, Michael (20) and Lizzie (18) Stephens of Frisco, TX, Bridget (18) of Plano, TX, twins, Matthew and Julie Deters (18) and Eric Deters (12) of Effingham.  His greatest enjoyment in his retirement years was his grandkids.  He was a regular fixture at his grandchildren's many sporting events and school activities over the years.  Mike also enjoyed the occasional trip to Europe with his son.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Mary Jo (Tolch) Stephens.