12/30/2025
John F. Stevens “Jack”, 89, died peacefully on Monday, December 22, 2025, at his lifelong farm in Roseland, VA. Born May 23, 1936, he was the son of the late Richard Frederick and Hettie Jones Stevens.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Patricia Payne Dickie Stevens; daughters, Angela Stevens Boyd (James), and Mary Catherine Stevens Parrish; grandchildren, John Frederick Stevens Pifer (Loran), and Elizabeth Caroline Boyd; a great-grandson, Easton John Pifer; a brother-in-law, David Roberson; his faithful canine companion, Windy, and a host of other loving relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth Stevens Roberson; a son-in-law, Patrick Parrish, and an aunt and uncle, James William and Frances Shelton Stevens.
A 1953 graduate of Fleetwood High School, Jack spent his summers before college measuring to***co allotments for Nelson County. Living off of a loaf of bread, and a can of pork and beans, he was proud to say that he earned $5 per farm and an occasional chew of home-spun to***co. The money earned was saved for college tuition. Though he was encouraged to go to Virginia Polytechnic University on a full scholarship to study agriculture, he saw a greater future with mechanical engineering. After graduation, Jack went to work for Newport News Shipyard as an engineer, designing equipment on the first nuclear powered ship. Jack and Patricia enjoyed the area and loved fishing.
From the Shipyard to the mountains of Covington, Virginia, Jack was offered as a patent agent trainee with Westvaco which required him to travel to New York City once a week. After passing the exam, Westvaco offered to send him to law school in Springfield, Massachusetts. He worked during the day and spent the next five years going to law school at night.
Foster Grant recruited Jack as a full-fledged patent attorney, writing patents on more notably, the first polarized lens. Jack and Tricia were anxious to be closer to family in Virginia. He was offered a position as attorney with Tennessee Eastman Kodak, now Tennessee Eastman Chemical. That career led him on trips around the world, including Spain, Germany, and China. Germany inspired him to have his own Porsche where he and Tricia would travel with the Porsche Club and participate in rallies.
Jack was involved in community organizations, most notably The Roseland Rescue Squad, Ruritans and the Porsche Club. He was also a 50-year member of the Masons, and an active member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice of the Piedmont, and to his caregiver, Lee Evans, for all their love and care shown to their loved one.
A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, January 4, 2026, at Bethlehem United Methodist Church by Rev. Ed Childress. Burial with Masonic Rites performed by Fleetwood Harmony Masonic Lodge, to follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Roseland Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 39, Roseland, VA 22967, or to Hospice of the Piedmont, 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Charlottesville, VA 22911.
