Jul. 25, 1965 - Oct. 18, 2015
Date of Service: Oct. 24, 2015
July 25,1965 - January 28, 2015
Miyazaki, JAPAN | Tracy Stevens, formerly of Hagerman, Idaho, passed away in Miyazaki, Japan on January 28, 2015 after a short illness. Tracy was born on July 25, 1965 in Burley, Idaho while his parents were living in Declo, Idaho. Tracy attended several schools, graduating from Hagerman High School in 1983. He attended the University of Idaho at Moscow and Ricks College in Rexburg, graduating with an Associates degree in Political Science.
He then served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Fukoka Japan Mission for two years, which is on the southern island of Kyushu. Tracy was only home for 3 months after his mission when he decided that he wanted to return to Japan and work in the private tutoring school system, teaching English. He became very proficient in the Japanese language in speaking and writing as well. Being very proficient in the language became a very high priority for Tracy. He enjoyed translating for various business deals, including one where the Japanese interests were purchasing a golf course in Australia. He had noted that it was harder to understand the Aussies than it was the Japanese, especially by phone.
Tracy loved Japan, it's people and it's culture. He was involved in the political scene with others from the United States. He held many jobs and traveled throughout Asia, including Korea, China, Thailand, and the Philippines.
His love was teaching English to the youth in the Juco or tutoring schools, preparing students to pass their college entrance exams. He was vice-principal at the time of his passing. It gave him great pleasure when his students accomplished this hurdle.
Tracy is survived by his children Jared Junya, Ashley Arisa, Andrew Akira, Sena Michelle, and Shosei Robert, all of Japan; his parents, Larry and Shirley Stevens of Kennewick, Washington; two sisters, Kelly Sue (Hoover) Owen of Twin Falls, Idaho and Sherry Lee Turner of Orlando, Florida; two nieces, Kendall Ann(Bobby) Singleton of Tampa, Florida and Taylor Rae Owen of Twin Falls, Idaho; two nephews, Tanner Ronald Owen of Boise Idaho and Kameron Glenn Pearce of San Antonio, Texas, plus many cousins.
Memorial services were held in Miyazaki, Japan with family and friends.
Interment and graveside services will be held at the Declo Cemetery in Declo, Idaho at 11:00 AM on Saturday, the 24th of October for relatives and friends that would like to attend.
