Age 90, Harrisonburg, Va.
Jim Stilwell of Harrisonburg passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family following a brief illness.
Beloved son of the late Virginia Stilwell, he spent his happy childhood years in Luray with his mother, his grandparents, his brother Richard, and sister Anne.
He graduated from Luray High School as valedictorian, forming lifelong friendships along the way. He continued to the Virginia Military Institute, earning a degree in physics in 1958 and was elected to serve on the honor court his senior year. The Institute and its alumni network continued to be a source of pride and purpose throughout his life as he enjoyed many reunions and events.
Following his U.S. Army service commitment, including a tour in Korea, he earned a Master of Science degree in engineering from the University of Illinois. He then returned to Virginia where he built his career in research and development with the Army Corps of Engineer Topographic Laboratories at Fort Belvoir, VA.
Jim would not have been complete without Kay, the love of his life, with whom he shared over 70 years of friendship and 65 years of marriage. Together they provided a beautiful home full of love for their family; a place of warmth where all felt welcome.
Jim was known above all as a humble servant; a gentle man of integrity and honor. His quick wit and humor brightened every day. He loved Jesus and continued to grow in faith through community wherever he lived. He brought extraordinary love to the ordinary rhythm of life. He was the one greeting you at the church door on Sunday; the one clearing limbs in a park; the one tending a vegetable garden and sharing the harvest; the one reading stories to his children and grandchildren; the one warming his hands by the church fire barrel on a dark December night after helping you choose the best Christmas tree on the lot. He was cherished by many; surpassed by none in the eyes of his family.
In addition to his wife Kay, Jim is survived by three daughters, Pam (Dave), Cathy (Jeff), and Susan (Bobby); and his grandchildren, Allison (Hunter), James, Grace, Carly (Ben), Kaylyn, Clayton, and Trey (Lillie).
The outpouring of love and support from family, friends, the community, and his “brother rats” has been heartening.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the Sunnyside Retirement Community Chapel at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 28, at the Corson Building, 3935 Sunnyside Dr., Harrisonburg, VA 22801.
The family will welcome friends with light refreshments after the service in the Sunnyside Room, 4200 Gratton Price Dr., Harrisonburg, VA 22801.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the VMI Alumni Agencies, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450; or to the Sunnyside Communities Fellowship Fund, 600 University Blvd. Suite L, Harrisonburg, VA 22801.
Arrangements are being handled by the Bradley Funeral Home in Luray, Va.
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