James Curtis Stevenson

James Curtis “Curt” Stevenson passed away on June 7, 2026, in Washington, Utah. Curt was born on January 23, 1929, in El Paso, Texas, to Algie (Steve) Stevenson and Elizabeth (Lizzie) Wesnewski. He married his sweetheart, Anne Johnson, in Carlsbad, NM, in 1953. Curt grew up in Carlsbad, NM. He excelled in track and football and held the New Mexico state record for the fastest 100-yard dash at 10 seconds flat for several years and was also a starting running back on the football team at Carlsbad High School. Following graduation, he enlisted and proudly served 4 years in the United States Navy. He was stationed in Key West, Florida, on a submarine tender, the USS Howard W. Gilmore. He was a patriot and he loved his country. After his military service, Curt attended New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering. Upon graduation, he moved his family to Los Alamos, New Mexico, and began employment with Los Alamos National Laboratory, where he spent his entire professional career. He worked on weapons research and development projects and in the budget office. As manager of the W80 warhead program, he was recognized for his contributions to the United States national defense programs. From a young age, he was raised and grew up to be a great Christian man. He was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and enjoyed being a temple worker in the Dallas, Albuquerque, and St. George temples. He served a mission at the St. George Family History Center for three years. He had a great love for genealogy and spent countless hours researching family history when his eyesight would allow. All his life, Curt loved the outdoors and enjoyed skiing, fishing, swimming, camping, golfing, and in later years, going on UTV rides throughout southern Utah with his son, Jim. He always loved going to the movies. From a young age, Curt also loved art. After his retirement, he returned to his hobby of painting, which he continued up until the last few months of his life. He found great joy in gifting his paintings to people who touched his life. Curt made and maintained many lifelong friendships wherever he lived—in Carlsbad, Los Alamos, Roswell, and Albuquerque, NM, and since 2005, St. George, UT. Curt was known for his great sense of humor and quick wit. Even in the final days of his 97 years, he continued to keep his family and friends smiling and laughing. When asked how he was doing, he would often reply, “fine as frog’s hair” or “fair to Midland.” More than anything, he loved his family and was a devoted husband, father, grandad, great-grandad, uncle, and friend. He had a genuinely sensitive, caring, and loving heart. Curt is survived by his son Jim of Washington, UT, daughter Carol (Jim) of San Antonio, TX, as well as his grandchildren and their families: Curtis, Laura, Cody, Jaylee, and Madi Stevenson of Cedar City, UT, Robby Stevenson of Cedar City, UT, Danny, Nicole, Everlee, and Sage Stevenson of Saratoga Springs, UT, Nicole, Colton, and Scottie Carter of Lehi, UT, Michelle, Miles, Clark, Scotty, and Louisa Bakker of Lutz, FL, Michael, and Nicole Palazzo of Dallas, TX, Joe, Alexis, and Quinn Palazzo of Little Elm, TX, and Robert Palazzo of Salt Lake City, UT. He is also survived by his sister, Laureen Cathey of Sun City, AZ. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son John in 1995, and his dear wife Anne in 2010. The family would like to sincerely thank the wonderful staff at Fit Physical Therapy who kept Curt going for over 8 years, the wonderful nurses and caregivers at Dixie Hospice who made his last 5 months so comfortable, and Dr. Scott Parkinson, his primary physician since 2005. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the charity of your choice. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 27 from 11-1 in the cultural hall at 1867 South Washington Fields Rd., Washington, UT. Please join us for lunch, with the program beginning at noon. Interment will be held at a later date in New Mexico, with military honors. Family and friends are invited to share tributes online at www.serenitystg.com. Arrangements and memorial tree planting under the direction of Serenity Funeral Home of Southern Utah, (435) 986-9100.