Stephen "Jimmy" Joy

Stephen James Joy, known affectionately as Jim or Jimmy, was born on May 23, 1949, in Beulah, Michigan. A man of humor, talent, and boundless adventure, Jimmy lived his life to the fullest and left an indelible mark on everyone he met. He passed away on February 5, 2026, surrounded by family and leaving behind a legacy that will truly stand the test of time.

Jimmy was a gifted man with an adventurous spirit. His journey took him from Beulah, Michigan, where he grew up and graduated from Benzie Central Class of 1967 after setting a state record for the mile and is in the Michigan Hall of Fame. He and his family moved to Prescott, Arizona in 1983, and eventually settled in Cove City, North Carolina just a few months ago. He was not one to stay in one place, spending the last 20 years of his life chasing the sun in his motorhome. His adventurous nature extended to his hobbies which included life, cribbage, and wood working, and "Desert art" as his son Christopher fondly called it. He even crafted his own golf course in the desert. In his professional life, he was a talented business owner in the construction industry.

Jimmy's love and loyalty ran deep. He was a proud Marine Corps veteran serving from 1969-1971 as a counterintelligence Marine leaving the service as a Corporal. He was a former Boy Scout, and an avid Detroit Lions fan his whole life. However, what mattered most to Jimmy was his family. A loving father, he had a special place in his heart for his dogs - Blue, Chammi, Gator, and Freckles. Above all, he was extremely proud of his granddaughter, Elizabeth Joy King, a 3rd generation Marine currently in flight school. His love for his family was evident in every aspect of his life. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well." Jimmy certainly embodied this sentiment.

He is survived by his children, Christopher and Bobbie; his brother, Robert; his granddaughter, Elizabeth; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Helen; his father, Doug Sr.; and his brother, Doug Jr.

There will be no formal service at this time. There will be a Celebration of Life held later this summer at the Shop.

We invite you to share your fondest memories of Jimmy and upload photos of him to his memorial page. Your contributions will serve as a comforting testament to his life, his character, and the joy he brought to so many.

Bennett Funeral & Cremation Care is honored to serve the family and friends of Stephen James Joy.