James Jay Westerhold

James "Jay" Westerhold, of Chesapeake, Virginia, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, after a lengthy and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Jay was born in Trenton, New Jersey, on June 9, 1949, to the late James and Divina Westerhold. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Jay will be remembered for his dry sense of humor and his meticulous attention to detail in everything he did-traits that were both endearing and, at times, humorously "annoying" to those who knew him best.

Jay's devoted wife of 45 years, Eleanor Jean Westerhold, preceded him in death earlier this year. Those who knew them take comfort in believing she was waiting to welcome her cherished husband home in Heaven.

Their marriage blended two families and leaves behind a loving legacy. Jay is survived by his daughter Autumn Roe and her husband Sean Roe, and granddaughter Ashli Beckmann; his son James R. Westerhold; his son Scott M. Westerhold and granddaughter Samantha Westerhold; and his daughter Joanne Ciccotelli, and her late husband Michael R. Ciccotelli. He was a proud grandfather to Michael J. Ciccotelli, father of great-grandson Michael Kai Ciccotelli; Joseph A. Ciccotelli and his wife Janelle Ciccotelli, parents to great-grandsons Joseph J. Ciccotelli and Miles A. Ciccotelli.

Jay is also survived by James P. Knox and his wife Michelle Knox, and their children: James E. Knox and his wife Katherine Knox; Kaitlyn M. Sargent and her husband Taylor Sargent, and great-granddaughter Blair M. Sargent; John M. Knox; and granddaughter Persephanie A. Knox.

He also leaves behind his beloved brothers Eric Westerhold and sister-in-law Mary-Jo Westerhold, and Brian Westerhold and his late wife Dawn, along with many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Jay proudly served 20 years in the United States Coast Guard, retiring with honor. Following his military career, he embraced the challenge of navigating the private sector of government service and found his professional home with TMMG, where he served as Facility Security Officer from September 8, 2020, until his passing. He loved his job and deeply respected his team, making it especially difficult for him to step away.

Above all, Jay cherished his family and took great pride in the life he built with them. His steady presence, quiet strength, and thoughtful nature left a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to know him.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Expressions of sympathy make take the form of donations to either the U. S. Coast Guard Foundation www.coastguardfoundation.org or to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation www.npcf.us Family and friends are invited to share memories, condolences and to sign the online guestbook at www.omanfh.com