Bill Text: VA SJR106 | 2022 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of James J.L. Stegmaier.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 8-1)
Status: (Passed) 2022-02-21 - Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ106ER) [SJR106 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2022-SJR106-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, James J.L. Stegmaier, an esteemed public servant whose 37-year career with Chesterfield County left an outsized impact on the community, died on January 20, 2022; and
WHEREAS, a native of Falls Church, James "Jay" Stegmaier earned a bachelor's degree in experimental psychology from the Catholic University of America in 1976 and a master's degree in public administration from The University of Virginia three years later; and
WHEREAS, shortly after graduating, Jay Stegmaier joined Chesterfield County as an analyst in its Department of Budget and Management and moved swiftly through the ranks, becoming budget director in 1986 and deputy county administrator for management services in 1997; and
WHEREAS, Jay Stegmaier's aptitude for finance enabled Chesterfield County to hone the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of its operations while helping to secure the locality the special distinction of holding a AAA credit rating from all three major credit rating agencies; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of his exceptional talents and leadership abilities, the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors appointed Jay Stegmaier as county administrator in 2007, whereupon he masterfully navigated the locality through the Great Recession of 2008 and for several more years until his retirement in 2016; and
WHEREAS, throughout his tenure with Chesterfield County, Jay Stegmaier fostered the economic vitality of both the county and the region by attracting new companies and development projects and spearheading initiatives such as the Greater Richmond Convention Center; and
WHEREAS, Jay Stegmaier served as a mentor to countless fellow staff and colleagues over the years as the unwavering optimism and integrity that he brought to his work every day inspired others to imagine what they could accomplish through public service; and
WHEREAS, in his early years, Jay Stegmaier had worked as a group home manager and an outpatient therapist, and he was admired throughout his career for his uniquely empathetic approach to working with others and solving problems; and
WHEREAS, Jay Stegmaier gave generously his time and talents to many organizations in support of the community, serving as chair of the Appomattox River Water Authority and on the boards of several organizations, including the South Central Wastewater Authority, Virginia Biotechnology Research Park, and United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg; and
WHEREAS, Jay Stegmaier's service to the community continued after his retirement from Chesterfield County, as he served his term as chair of the United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg Board of Directors until July 2021; and
WHEREAS, Jay Stegmaier was appointed to the Virginia State University (VSU) Board of Visitors in 2016 by Governor Terry McAuliffe and reappointed in 2020 by Governor Ralph Northam, serving faithfully until his passing; during his tenure with the board, he served as a member and chair of the Facilities, Finance and Audit Committee; as a member of the Personnel, Compensation and Governance Committee; and as a liaison to the VSU Real Estate Foundation; and
WHEREAS, guided throughout his life by his Catholic faith and a keen appreciation for the ephemeral nature of our existence, Jay Stegmaier lived each and every day to the fullest, spending as much time as he could with his adoring family; and
WHEREAS, Jay Stegmaier will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his loving wife, Margot; his children, Jamey, Andrew, and Emily, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of James J.L. Stegmaier, beloved public servant of Chesterfield County, whose kind and benevolent nature was an inspiration and comfort to all who knew him; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of James J.L. Stegmaier as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.
