Obituary for James J. "Joe" Stefferson
James J. “Joe” Stefferson, 72, of Indian Orchard, passed away at home on October 23, 2023. Joe was born in Lake RonKonKoma, NY, to the late William J. and Marguerite (Keiser) Stefferson and was a 1970 graduate of Sachem High School. Upon graduation in 1970, Joe enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was assigned to a Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron at Marine Corp Air Station Little River, Camp Lejeune, Jacksonville, NC. During that assignment, in 1973, he was deployed on an aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean in support of the Yom Kippur War in Israel. Upon Honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, Joe went to work in the public sector at Dyn Electronics Inc and then Pax River Maryland on a classified aircraft. From 1978-1995, he was a member of the US Army Reserve as a full time flight engineer on the Boeing CH47 Chinook in Maryland. In 1995, he became a member of the 439th MXS Squadron at Westover Air Force Base where he served as an aircraft technician on the C-5 until his retirement from Military Service in August 2011. During his time at Westover AFB, he was mobilized from 2001-2004 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom after 9-11 and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was also mobilized to Moron AFB in Spain, and shortly after, he was deployed to Al Udeid, AFB in Doha, Qatar. In the years following the war, his experience directly contributed to the drastic reduction of inspection time during the newly formed regional Isochronal Inspection Process at Westover. He continued to volunteer for enroute support missions in Spain and Portugal directly supporting the war effort in Iraq and Afghanistan. Towards the end of his Military career, he managed the consolidated tool room at the base in support of the ISO culminating a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and the United States Air Force. As a decorated Veteran, he was the recipient of several medals and ribbons across the 3 branches of the military including: The Air Force Commendation Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster), The National Defense Service Medal (1 Device), The Army Service Ribbon, The Air Force and Army Good Conduct Medals, The Army NCO Professional Development Ribbon (2 Devices), The Army Achievement Medal, and The Marksman Ribbon. Joe was active in his community as a volunteer for several town events, Veterans’ organizations including, the VFW Post 3226, and also enjoyed marching in the parades alongside his fellow Veterans. He was also a member of the Amherst Railroad Society and former member of the Gremio Lusitano Club, as well as a train enthusiast and avid traveler. Besides his parents, Joe was predeceased by his brother William Anthony Stefferson; and leaves a niece Michelle M. Stefferson-Barett in Port Jefferson Station, Long Island, NY, and nephew William J. Stefferson of Richlands NC, and their families; many dear friends and colleagues to cherish his memory. Funeral services for Joe will be held on Friday, November 3rd. Visiting hours are from 9:15-10:15 am in Ludlow Funeral Home with Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11:00am in St. Elizabeth Parish followed by burial with Military Honors at 1:00pm in Massachusetts Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe’s memory to Ludlow VFW Post 3236, Wounded Warriors, or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
To plant a tree in memory of James J. "Joe" Stefferson, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
Friday
3
Nov
9:15 AM
- 10:15 AM
Ludlow Funeral Home
432 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Funeral Liturgy
Friday
3
Nov
11:00 AM
St. Elizabeth Parish (St. John the Baptist)
181 Hubbard Street
Ludlow, Ma 01056
Service
Friday
3
Nov
1:00 PM
Massachusetts Veteran's Memorial Cemetery
1390 Main Street
Agawam, Ma 01001
Cemetery Details
Location
Massachusetts Veteran's Memorial Cemetery
1390 Main Street
Agawam, Ma 01001
Loading...
