Obituary - James Stuart Deitrick Sr.

Jim’s unique sense of humor can be seen in his words below....

JAMES STUART DEITRICK, SR. passed away on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, leaving the world in a state of confusion, fighting for specific and unknown reasons. He tried his best to make contributions to create a positive environment for others with his sense of humor and relative sarcasm. He considered his role in life was to find the fun and humorous side of things and concentrate on them. He was born on November 3, 1940, in Santa Monica, California, to Virgil Stuart Deitrick, Jr. and wife Gladys Matthews Deitrick who were stationed at a nearby U.S. Naval Station. From that celebratory day, until he was eleven years old, he and his family lived in Chicago, Ill., Wyandotte, MI., St. Louis, MO., Newport, R. I., and Quonset Point, R.I. When his father died in 1951, at age 39, the family of four moved to Parksley, Va. on the Eastern Shore. Upon graduating from high school, he enrolled in Ferrum Junior College in western Virginia. He majored in ‘cow tipping’ and left two years later. Next, he enrolled in Randolph Macon College in Ashland, VA. and spent three semesters excelling in ‘fraternal activities’, whereas the Dean suggested he find another vocation. While deciding the appropriate next venture, he was hired by the Yellow Cab Co. as a driver in the Richmond area. Initially, with knowledge of only two major streets in the city, his driver vocation lasted a mere six months.

Realizing life was not a giving source without his contribution, he enrolled in Smithdeal Massey Business School, receiving an Administrative Business degree a year later. He subsequently was employed as an internal auditor by the Life Insurance Co. of VA. Three years later, he realized that the lack of a four-year degree was hindering his promotability. Therefore, he enrolled in Richmond Professional Institute (to become VCU later), graduating 12 months later with a degree in Economics. Degree in hand, he interviewed with Reynolds Metals Co. and was hired initially as an Internal Auditor. Over a thirty-year career, he had assignments in the Controller, Treasury, and Quality Assurance Departments.

He was married in 1962 and became the proud father of two sons, one in 1968, the other in 1970. In 1981 the marriage was dissolved and he moved into an apartment. An arrangement was developed for him to have frequent visitation with his sons, which he cherished.

In 1983, he met this cute, personable, fun-loving girl who captured his heart. Her name was Carol and they quickly became a couple. She also had two sons from her previous marriage. During the 23 years of dating, their lives were filled with many wonderful experiences. One highlighted experience occurred when they saw an ad in the Henrico County newspaper offering an opportunity to learn the art of clowning. The classes taught all aspects of the art, from creating a name, to designing a unique face design and costume; thus Fun-E-Bone and Ding Dong were born! After at least 26 years of clowning around, and the entertaining of many little kids, the red noses and big shoes were put in mothballs.

Then it happened, in 2007, Jim asked Carol to marry him, with her response being, “Why?”! After a relatively short discussion, the arrangements were determined, the officiant was acquired, and the date of June 15th was set. A small family wedding was conducted in the UMC Chapel.

After fifteen years together, Jim developed some medical issues which required periodic hospitalization. The ensuing medical conditions required Jim to be bedridden most of the time. The purchase of some medical devices and acquisition of an electric wheelchair, he was permitted to have some mobility.

Jim passed away at home in the presence of family members. He is survived by his special love, his ‘Christmas Carol’, Carol Kenney Deitrick, son James S. Deitrick, Jr. (Lucy), granddaughters Maya Deitrick, Anisa Deitrick; son Michael H. Deitrick (Regina), grandson Gabriel Deitrick; stepson Michael C. Murray (Yuki), grandsons Sora, Kengo, granddaughter Anna; stepson David M. Murray (Erin), grandson Layton, granddaughter Kennedy; sister Sandra D. Kes (Bill) of Columbus, GA; brother William R. Deitrick (Baek) of Richmond.

Jim’s enjoyment of life, and his constant reminder to others that, “God put me on earth to make people smile every day!”, progressed into his final arrangements, prearranged several years ago; namely, placing his cremated remains in an Ezra Brooks bourbon bottle for prosperity. He was a proud Mason and Shriner, and requested a Masonic Service at his funeral. Continuing with his sociable nature while living, he requested a party to be held in his memory after his demise.

Jim was a life long member of the Methodist Church. He most recently was a member of Good Shepherd UMC on Hungary Road in Richmond. He loved his church, and once he became bedridden, he continued to virtually watch the services every Sunday. Prior to his medical issues, he had assisted the church with duties of greeter, scripture reader, usher, and lay reader. He also helped on the kitchen team that fed the homeless vets.

When Jim reached his mid-forties, he took advantage of several opportunities to travel to a number of foreign countries. His brother had earlier joined the Peace Corps and given an assignment for three years in Niger, West Africa. During that tenure, he became friends with folks from all over Europe. Several years later Jim’s son Stuart joined the Peace Corps and was assigned to Kenya, East Africa. With those close family connections, Jim travelled to Kenya, Belgium, France, Germany, and Spain. The adventures were many, along with the various friendships that were established. The ability to experience the various customs and lifestyles was a very humbling opportunity. Once Jim’s medical status required so much time in bed, he took advantage of the idle time with the assistance of a laptop computer. He wrote a sermon on the subject “Earth Angels”, referring to the people all over the world who do good deeds, compared to the small percentage of the population that display the despicable acts seen daily on media sources.

Jim started exhibiting his love for poetry, and created several compositions in a relatively short period of time. His hospice musical therapist encouragingly suggested that several of his poems be put to music, which with her musical expertise was accomplished.

Sincere appreciation is offered to the Visiting Angels homecare agency and the Affinity Hospice care organization for providing excellent service to Jim at home.

Service will be held on February 7, 2025 at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 9155 Hungary Road, Henrico, VA 23294 1:00 - 2:00pm Visitation 2:00pm Masonic and church service with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Shriner’s Hospitals for Children or Good Shepherd UMC.