This study examines in detail works for trumpet by James M. Stephenson III, which include unaccompanied works, short character pieces, multi-movement works, compositions for chamber ensembles, and etudes. As a modern composer, Stephenson is important for both the quantity and quality of his works. His style is characterized by beautiful lyrical lines, skillfully crafted technical passages, extreme shifts in register, and detailed attention to dynamics, articulation and phrasing. Biographical information covering Stephenson's youth, education and career will be presented together with an examination of his compositional characteristics and influences. A selected group of works will be viewed in detail, including Call (for unaccompanied trumpet), Fanfare for an Angel (four part trumpet ensemble), Mutation for trumpet and piano, Sonata for Trumpet and Piano, Vignettes (for trumpet and percussion) and his two volumes of Day-Tudes for trumpet. These works were selected to showcase his compositional skill and versatility as well as present examples of works of substantial pedagogical value. A complete list of his compositions and a discography of all known recordings of his music will be provided in two appendices.