James Robert Stivison, Lt. Colonel USA Retired

James (Jim) Robert Stivison, beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2024 at the age of 88. Jim was born on April 2nd 1936 in Butler, PA to Frank and Mabel Stivison. He grew up a committed Boy Scout, earning his Eagle Scout Award. After graduating high school, Jim matriculated into the Indiana University of Pennsylvania where he was in the Army ROTC. He graduated with a degree in history and taught briefly while awaiting orders from the Army.

Jim’s tenure in the Army took him all over the United States and the world. During his service he built many lifelong friends. An Army formal led to a blind date with Diana. After a tour in Vietnam, he returned home and they married. The couple began their 55 years of marriage in Fort Lee, Virginia and welcomed first daughter Elizabeth. The family received orders to Seoul Korea where Mary Louise was born. Their last overseas post was Heidelberg Germany where Suzannah (the caboose, as he called her) was born. The family returned to Chambersburg, PA for his final post and retirement after almost 24 years of service.

Jim moved to Vienna, VA after retirement and worked as a military contractor. His commitment to public service permeated his life in Vienna as President of Optimist Club, Vienna Woods swim and Tennis, and working with the Boy Scouts. In addition he spent many hours volunteering and in various leadership roles at Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Later in life, Jim worked tirelessly with the Optimist Club to build a thriving Vienna Farmers Market.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Diana, his children Elizabeth Fisher, Dan Fisher Mary Louise Stivison and Suzannah Stivison, Tobi McFarland,his grandchildren Eve Alcalan, Ella Stivison-Moran, and Abigail Stivison-Moran, his sister Janet Hortert and his nieces Cassie Crispen and Celeste Hortert. He is preceded in death by his parents Frank and Mabel Stivison.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Optimist International, 4494 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108

Please join the family in remembering Jim at either or both of the following gatherings.
Wake: Money and King Funeral Home 171 Maple Ave. Vienna, VA Wednesday April 17th 4 – 7 pm Funeral: Emmanuel Lutheran Church 2589 Chain Bridge Road Vienna, VA 22181, Thursday April 18th 4 pm Burial with military honors at Arlington National Cemetery at a date and time to be determined