James Stiffler

James Robert Stiffler VIRGINIA BEACH - James Robert "Bob" Stiffler, 88, died Jan. 20, 2010 in his home in the Willow Valley Retirement Community of Lancaster, Pa. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy May Stiffler; a daughter, Diane D. Stiffler of Montgomery, Ala.; a son, Dr. J. Douglas Stiffler of Virginia Beach; two granddaughters, Kristin Stiffler of St. Louis and Heather Stiffler of Virginia Beach; a brother, Terry of Lafayette, Calif. He was predeceased by his first wife, Jean R. Stiffler. Bob was born Dec. 7, 1921, in New Virginia, Iowa. He was a graduate of St. Ambrose University in Iowa. Bob had three separate yet simultaneous careers. First in advertising and marketing agricultural and horticultural products; the second as an officer in the U.S. Navy and Naval Reserve and third as the longtime gardening columnist for The Virginian-Pilot. He authored the book, "Gardening in Southeastern Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina" that provided month-to-month advice for gardening in our area. After moving to Lancaster, he wrote a weekly garden column in the Lancaster New Era newspaper. Bob was active in many horticultural organizations and civic groups. A memorial service will be held at Willow Valley North's Johnson auditorium Thursday, Jan. 28, at 10 a.m. Burial will be private in Princess Anne Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Norfolk Botanical Garden, 6700 Azalea Garden Road, Norfolk, VA 23518.