Age 89, Harrisonburg, Va.
James Allen Stader, 89, of Harrisonburg, Virginia, completed his life’s journey on October 25, 2024. He was born on March 8, 1935 to the late Kenneth J. and Rena Ponn Stader of Luray.
Jim graduated from Luray High School in 1953. He then moved to Newport News and in 1957 graduated from the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock apprentice school. He married his wife, Barbara, also from Luray, in 1956. After several years, they relocated to the Shenandoah Valley, having first lived in Elkton, then Bridgewater, and finally settling in Harrisonburg in 1967.
Jim worked for General Electric and then at Dunham Bush as a senior design draftsman, where he retired from after 33 years of service. Always needing something to do, Jim then worked part-time at the Harrisonburg Auto Auction, and then at Bob Wade Autoworld delivering parts for several years.
Jim was an avid golfer, playing regularly with a group of buddies at Lakeview Golf Course. The group also traveled to many locations throughout the year and made Myrtle Beach a yearly adventure. Jim was still golfing at the age of 88.
Four days prior to his passing, Jim was preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife of 68 years, Barbara Jones Stader. He couldn’t wait any longer to be reunited with her.
Jim is survived by their two children, Doug Stader (wife Lora) of Harrisonburg, and Sherri Stader Carew (husband Ross) of Lake Monticello; two grandchildren, Christa and Corey Stader (wife Kiah); and a great-granddaughter, Ridley-Jane. He is also survived by his niece, Joy Legg and her husband, Jim, of Luray; and was preceded in death by his sister, Maxine Stader Sloat.
Jim was a kind, humble, patient and quiet man who will be missed tremendously by his family.
The family thanks the staff of White Birch for caring for both of our parents for the past 10 months, as well as Gentiva Hospice staff for their compassion and care of dad for the last few weeks of his life.
And lastly, to the Bradley Funeral Home for providing our dad with the amazing opportunity to say goodbye to mom after her passing, our family is forever grateful.
The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at the Bradley Funeral Home in Luray. A graveside service will follow at 2 p.m. at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Luray by Pastor Troy Pearson.
Memorial contributions may be made to West Side Baptist Church, 715 West Wolfe Street, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22802.
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