Final Salute

Captain James Francis Stader (USN Ret.), age 65 of Manassas, Virginia passed away Thursday, April 30, 2026 at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Clara Zmuda Stader, and his mother, Elizabeth Shanahan Stader.

Survivors include Jim’s son, Mark Stader and daughter in-law, Kristina Stader, daughter Jacqueline Stader Thring and son in-law, Edward Thring, two (2) grandchildren, Archer and Naomi Thring, his father, Captain John Francis Stader (USN Retired), and four (4) brothers, John William Stader, Esq., Captain Paul Anthony Stader (USN Retired), Thomas Neville Stader, Colonel Matthew Nicholas Stader (USA Retired).

Jim was a 1983 graduate of Virginia Military Institute, who later served twenty-seven (27) years in the Navy, retiring in 2010 as a Captain in the Civil Engineer Corps. Jim’s Navy career was followed by years in the Senior Executive Service, supporting the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Education.

More importantly, we remember Jim as a dedicated son, big brother, loving husband, compassionate dad, hilarious grandfather (“Baba!”), and thoughtful friend. Jim’s grounded yet optimistic nature kept those around him at ease. His love and appreciation of nature mirrored the stability and dependability he was for family. From keeping the Christmas spirit alive for his grandkids, acting as a wildlife whisperer with his amazing wife, serving as honorary Chief Financial Officer to his kids, to goose hunting with his father and brothers, Jim’s void cannot be replaced. We remember all that he’s taught us, and hope to make him proud.

The family will receive friends and family from 6:00PM-8:00PM for visitation on Wednesday May 27, 2026 at Pierce Funeral Home, 9609 Center Street, Manassas, Virginia. The funeral service will be held on Thursday May 28, 2026 at 11:00AM at All Saints Catholic Church, 9300 Stonewall Road, Manassas, Virginia followed by a 1:00PM interment at National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico.

Following the funeral events, please join Jim’s family at 1:45PM for food and beverages at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, 1775 Semper Fidelis Way, Triangle, Virginia, to share stories, memories, and the love we shared for Jim.

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