James Adam Stegman

James (Jim) Adam Stegman : July 14, 1931, Covington KY – Sept 20, 2021, Covington WA.  Jim passed away suddenly at home with his wife nearby.  He was born in Covington KY, to Jules P. and Emma E. (nee’ Hayes). He was raised surrounded by his extended family of Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and numerous cousins.

Jim joined the US Navy at age 17, in 1948 and was a Korean War Veteran. His Navy years where some of the most exciting in his young life, he traveled to China, the Philippines, Scotland and Norway and made lifelong friends. The 4 musketeers’, Jim, Ken (future brother-in-law), Roy and William. He served on the USS Damato and in later years attended a number of shipmate reunions.  Jim’s best duty was while stationed in the Canal Zone, Panama. Where he met his beloved wife, Yvonne (nee’ Martin). They had their first date on April 20, 1951, (which they celebrated annually) and five days later he proposed.  They married on October 27, 1951, in Panama and would have celebrated their 70th anniversary in a few weeks.  They settled in Northern Kentucky for 9 years, after he was honorable discharge from service in 1952, and where their 3 children were born.  In 1961, he was recruited by The Boeing Co. and the family relocated to Washington State.  Jim had a steady career as a machinist on the R&D line for 32 years, before retiring in 1993. 

Jim was able to realize some of his lifetime dreams, getting his private pilot’s license and owning a Cessna 172, Skyhawk.  Jim love to drive, and took his family on many memorable road trips in car, camper and motorhome, traveling in the US to visit family and friends.  Jim and Yvonne had a full life together, raising their family, building 2 custom homes and traveling to Hawaii, Mexico, New Zealand, Australia and cruises to Alaska, the Caribbean and Greece. 

Jim was a hard-working man that showed his love by providing for and supported his family, sometimes working 2-3 jobs in the early years in Kentucky. Employed by Wadsworth Watch Co, RCA, Greyhound. C&O Railroad, and USPS.  After moving to WA he worked overtime to provide for his family and retirement. At times he worked at Rocketdyne on graveyard after finishing his swing shift at Boeing. Jim was a jack of all trades and besides building the family’s homes he built, garages, greenhouses, gazabos, raised beef and goats to supplement the family’s grocery needs.  He was a weekend auto mechanic, repairing family and friends’ vehicles and used the income to increase his capabilities to provide more in-depth repairs.

Jim was predeceased by him parents, Jules and Emma, and sister Jean.  He is survived by his wife: Yvonne, three children: Jim (Joanne), Roxanne, Holly (Kerry). Four grandchildren: Bryan (Cynthia), Adam (Megan), Eric (Rachel), Heather (Darrel). Five great-granddaughters: Thora, Tayler, Autumn, Henley and Kasey. His sister Eileen, sister-in-law’s, Janet and Germaine, numerous cousins, several nephews, nieces and his beloved canine companion, Toto.

Private services and internment at Tahoma National Cemetery, will be held at a later date.  

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