Dr. James Bazell Stafford Jr.

Dr. James Bazell Stafford, Jr., 101, of Peoria, IL, transitioned from this earthly life to his heavenly home at 1:11 pm, on Friday, May 5, 2023, at Carle Health Methodist Hospital. Dr. Stafford was born on September 16, 1921, in Alton, Illinois, to James and Mary Jane (Killion) Stafford, Sr. He married the love of his life, Evelyn Serena Smith in St. Louis, Missouri, on December 13, 1943. Dr. Stafford was an optometrist for over 60 years and owned his private practice, Dr. James B. Stafford, Optometrist, in Peoria, Illinois, for 50 years from 1953, retiring in 2003. He was a U.S. Army Veteran serving in World War II where he was an Adjutant at the 335th Station Hospital located in Burma, a country in Southeast Asia. Dr. Stafford also served in the Korean Conflict where he practiced optometry in the hospital there. He attended Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, and Iowa Wesleyan College in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, where he was an outstanding football player. He earned his Optometry Degree at Monroe College of Optometry, Chicago, Illinois, now known as Illinois College of Optometry. Dr. Stafford was a trailblazer and opened the door for other African Americans in Peoria. In 1959 he became the first African American to hold a seat on the Peoria City Council. He was appointed by a 5 to 2 vote after the council deadlocked on six previous ballots. This was such a mighty accomplishment at this time that it was covered by Jet Magazine in the April 30 and May 7, 1959, weekly magazine. He also became the first African American to serve as president of the Illinois Optometric Association which he held for two years. In addition to tennis as an activity, he was also a talented photographer and also rode a Honda Motorcycle until he turned 80 years of age. Another hobby of his was designing and crafting stained glass windows. His beautiful, skillful stained-glass designs adorn both his home and his church, Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout as a teenager and started the first boy scout Troop, Troop19, at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Dr. Stafford was also awarded the Distinguished Scouter Award. He also travelled by car with his wife and two children to attend Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico, the training center for scouting. To assist in helping those in need, Dr. Stafford was instrumental in starting the food bank at Mt. Zion, which is still operating today. Dr. Stafford was a member of Mt. Zion M.B. Church for for over 60 years where he also served as a Deacon and Trustee. Dr. Stafford was an avid tennis player, participating in many tennis tournaments throughout Peoria and the surrounding counties and he won many tournaments. He played tennis until he turned 94 years of age and beat many players many years younger than he. The life of Dr. Stafford was put to paper in a book titled Topspin, the story of Dr. James Bazell Stafford, Jr. written by his son James B. Stafford, III, to honor his father’s life of giving to his family, his community, and his church. Dr. Stafford leaves to cherish their most precious memories his loving wife of 79 years of marriage, Evelyn Serena Smith Stafford; one son, James B. (Melanie) Stafford, III of Memphis, TN; one daughter, Sylvia Victoria (Ernest, Jr.) Thompson of Detroit, MI; four grandchildren; five great grandchildren and a host of other family and friends who miss and love him. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church with a visitation one-hour prior at 10 a.m. Rev. James Flemming will officiate. Dr. Stafford will be laid to rest on Soldier Hill at Historic Springdale Cemetery where U.S. Army Military Honors will be rendered. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com.

Tributes

Dr. James Bazell Stafford Jr.

September 16, 1921 - May 5, 2023