Collections
local historians share their research and treasured items
The Nueces County Historical Society is fortunate to have a number of historians and collectors. They provide us with entertaining presentations from their research and collections. Lay historians, professors, and avid collectors bring us a into the rich history of Nueces County, Corpus Christi, and the Coastal Bend. We will update with collections and research put together by some of our members, as well as the Nueces County Historical Commission’s display case on the first floor of the Nueces County Courthouse.
the Jim Stever Collection
a letter collection without compare
the passing of rex h. “jim” stever
Our good friend, Jim Stever, passed away on December 12, 2018. Here is his Obituary, from the Corpus Christi Caller Times, published on February 17, 2019:
Rex H. “Jim” Stever died December 12, 2018 in his sleep. Jim was born in Finley, Ohio and grew up in Tiffin, Ohio before moving to Corpus Christi in 1930, graduating from CCHS in 1942. He entered the Army Air Corp as a navigator in January 1943. He served in the South Pacific until 1945. He graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University and after post graduate work entered Texas Tech University where he earned a Masters Degree in Petroleum Engineering. After working for Shell Oil for 10 years Jim went independent.
Jim loved history and philately serving more than 30 years on Nueces County Historical Commission. He also was a member of the Nueces County Historical Society, Texas Historical Society and South Texas Historical Society. The love was shown in the Philatelic world by his award-winning Collections. He was a Life Member of the America Philatelic Society and Library, Texas Philatelic Society (President), Texas Postal History Society, The Classics Society and 1869 Society (Treasurer).
Jim is survived by his wife of 67 years, Barbara, sons Jed and Scott, five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 1, 2019 at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery.
Nueces County courthouse display
With planning than began in the Fall of 2015, and completed in the Fall of 2016, a display case on the first floor of the Nueces County Courthouse was used to create an exhibit to honor Jim and his wife, Barbara, for their many years of multiple contributions to historic preservation.
The five boards shown below were indicative of the arrangement in the since-removed display. Enjoy!
articles
Jim has also been the subject of a number of articles in the local Corpus Christi Caller Times newspaper and elsewhere. The link to the Corpus Christi Caller Times article, regarding his collection of Historic Texas Letters can be found HERE.