Florida 4-H Hall of Fame

James M. Stephens

James M. Stephens is an alumnus member of the Limestone 4-H Club in Hardee County, where he participated in projects ranging from pig and poultry to vegetable gardening. During his career as state vegetable specialist he developed several 4-H gardening projects and training manuals that were used statewide for more than 40 years. Stephens also conducted many 4-H events including the state vegetable judging contest from 1962 to 2001. He trained Florida 4-H teams for national competition, where they won many national honors. He provided many Florida 4-H agents training, resource materials and leadership.  During his career as Extension Vegetable Specialist he provided Florida 4-H with a wide variety of challenging projects and learning activities designed to expand 4-Hers skills and knowledge of vegetable gardening. He also wanted to motivate their leadership skills and interest in giving back to their communities. “My association with 4-Hers and helping them develop into active, successful, positive thinking young adults has kept me motivated and satisfied over a long career in extension,” Stephens said. Stephens has actively been involved with other areas of 4-H in addition vegetable gardening, at both the state and national levels. He has distinguished himself as a leader within the horticultural field. As part of his leadership role he helped generate many thousands of dollars from his industry to support the Florida 4-H program.