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James Stegmaier Obituary
Jay was predeceased by his parents, Robert Bernard Stegmaier Jr. and Mary Josephine Stegmaier. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Margot; his sons, Jamey (and partner, Megan) of St. Louis and Andrew (and wife, Margaret) of Richmond; a daughter, Emily Winbigler (and husband, Joel), of Chesterfield; and five grandchildren, whom he adored. Survivors also include brothers, Robert, Tim and Frank; and sisters, Mary Jo and Sr. Anne IHM.
A public servant of 37 years for Chesterfield County, Jay retired in 2016 as the county administrator. He enjoyed spirited dinnertime discussions every night, and he loved camping trips with family in the 90s and biking trips in Europe with his wife in the 10s. He was a patient and precise woodworker, and his commitment to serving others was driven by his lifelong Catholic faith, which began at St. James in his hometown of Falls Church, Virginia.
Jay played pickup soccer every weekend into his 60s, including one final game in the midst of chemotherapy in 2021. His grandchildren know him best for his stories and their regular outdoors adventures. His prior battles with cancer shaped his outlook on life and he did not take his moments on earth for granted. "If there's really something you must do, it's best to get to it," is how he put it.
His family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 25, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 9505 Gayton Rd., Richmond, followed by a funeral mass at 12 P.M. Please wear your finest mask. In celebration of his life, Jay's family would be grateful if you would consider donating blood this winter (or spreading the word to those who are able to donate).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Stegmaier
Sponsored by Bliley's Funeral Home - Chippenham Chippenham Chapel.
Andi and Brent Archer
January 27, 2022
Margot, I am so, so sorry for your loss. You and Jay were such a great team and you were an inspiration to so many people (like me) through your kindnesses towards one another and to those around you. Our prayers and condolences are with you and your family.
Charles Hartgrove
January 27, 2022
I had the pleasure of working with Jay when I previously served as the town manager of Ashland. He was an exceptional leader and colleague. I learned much from Jay through the years and greatly appreciated his wisdom and advice. My deepest condolences to the family.
Cathy Mills
January 25, 2022
Emily, I am so sorry for your loss. Your family and you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Cathy
Maude Allen
January 24, 2022
I´m saddened for Andrew and Margaret. It´s so difficult to say goodbye to our parents and it´s apparent that he was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Please hold on to those memories. Share them with everyone you come in contact with. That way his legacy lives on. The family will be in my prayers. Love Maude
Kathe Lloyd
January 24, 2022
I had the pleasure of being Jay's Administrative Asst. during his first five years as the Asst. County Administrator of Management Services for Chesterfield County. Jay took a chance on me, hiring a 14-year stay at home mom who had only been back in the workforce for five years. The awesome thing about Jay was he allowed me to expand my position while working for him. He was always open to talk about my ideas. I can't recall a single time he told me no. If it was managing volunteer activities for employees out in the Chesterfield County community, serving on committees for things like employee luncheons, board functions or revamping the County Administrator's conference room. It was fun and a huge period of growth for me, thanks to Jay. We did not stay in touch but I am so happy to hear he was able to experience the joy of having five grandchildren in his life, just like me. My thoughts and prayers are with Margot and all the children.
Thank you Jay,
Regards,
Kathe Lloyd
Ponte Vedra, FL
Mount Calvary Cemetery
January 24, 2022
To the family & friends of James Stegmaier,
We at Mount Calvary Cemetery wish to express our deepest sympathies for the loss of your loved one and we pray that God will help to ease your pain in the days to come. We are proud and honored to be chosen as the final resting place for James. This is a responsibility that we do not take lightly and I pledge the highest level of perpetual care to honor his memory. Please do not hesitate to call us with any concerns or if there is anything we can do to make these difficult experiences any easier.
Jim Glass
General Mgr.
Mount Calvary Cemetery
804-355-5271
Valerie Brown, Rector Virginia State University
January 24, 2022
On behalf of the Board of Visitors our prayers go out to the family for comfort. Jay was an asset to the board and he will be dearly missed.
Chris Alt
January 23, 2022
Prayers and hugs are with your family.
Martha K Creasy
January 23, 2022
Jay was a fine man and loved my those who worked with him. He told David when he was diagnosed with cancer to do everything you want to do. They are together talking about Chesterfield and the outdoors. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Susan Shoap
January 23, 2022
I am now a happily retired Chesterfield County teacher. Back in the day, I was active in the Chesterfield Education Association, and would often speak to the Board of Supervisors
And School Board. I remember that Jay was always a voice of reason when it came to education issues. He just had a patient, caring way about him and always demonstrated an interest in understanding the teacher´s viewpoint. Truly, he was a gentleman in every sense of the word.
My sincere condolences to his wife and family. I know he will be greatly missed. He was one of a kind...the best kind.
Tedd Povar
January 23, 2022
Jay was a family man first and a public servant first. He will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him either personally or professionally. My sincere sympathies to Margot and the entire family. We lost a good one.
Greg Liptak
January 23, 2022
My condolences to the Stegmaier family. I did not know Jay, but I do recall seeing him attend Mass at the Church of the Epiphany. As a citizen of Chesterfield, I greatly appreciated his service to the county, especially during his tenure as County Administrator. He helped make Chesterfield County the outstanding county it is today and a leader among the counties of Virginia. May he be at rest in his heavenly home enjoying the fruits of his earthly labor. God's peace and comfort be upon Jay's family.
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