James R. Stefel, 42, of Largo, Florida, passed away at his home on December 5, 2025..

Born on August 31, 1983, in West Orange, New Jersey, James was the beloved son of Ruthann and James “Jimmy” Stefel. He was known for his warm heart, generous spirit, and deep love for his family and friends. Though often quiet and reserved, those who truly knew James discovered a fun-loving, caring, and deeply loyal man who left a lasting impression on everyone he welcomed into his world.

James experienced significant loss throughout his life and carried that grief with him in later years. Despite his struggles, he possessed a gentle soul and a kindness that showed in many ways—especially through his soft heart for animals. He loved feeding stray cats and adored his own cat, Pete, more than anything. A true foodie, James enjoyed cooking and delighted in sharing restaurant recommendations, always eager to pass along a great meal or hidden gem.

James grew up in Parsippany, New Jersey, and was the youngest of his siblings. He volunteered for several years with the Parsippany Rescue and Recovery Unit alongside his father. He later attended John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY), where he earned a degree in Criminal Justice, followed by a Master of Science in Protection Management. James built a successful career as a Lead Associate in CIB Quality Assurance with JPMorgan Chase in Delaware.

When his mother fell ill, James relocated to Florida to be by her side and help care for her until her passing—a true testament to his devotion and love. He spent the remainder of his life in Florida, close to his cousin Jessica and her wife, Shannon. In recent years, he shared that his dream was to work as a park ranger, spending his days immersed in nature and surrounded by wildlife.

Known as “JR” to many family members, James cherished time spent with family. Summers by the family pool and trips to amusement parks became some of the fondest shared memories. He especially loved being playful with his nieces, nephews, and cousins close in age, always finding ways to make them laugh or embark on an adventure. These joyful traditions followed him into adulthood and were later passed on to his great-nieces and great-nephew when visiting Florida. He delighted in creating new memories filled with fun, laughter, and adventure for them. His great-nieces and nephew will always remember the joy he brought to Easter in Florida, riding jet skis, seeing dolphins up close, and even trying an inflatable aqua park one summer.

James is survived by his aunt and uncle, Virginia and Victor Chewning; their children, Jessica Valukis and her wife, Shannon, and Derek Valukis; his brother-in-law, Dwain Decker; his sister-in-law, Lisa Pizzi; and his nieces and nephews, Jennifer and her husband, Matt Semple; Nicole and Christopher Decker; Anthony Pizzi, Tiffany and her husband Devon DePersio, and Juliana Pizzi. He was a proud great-uncle to Gabrianna, Brody, and Everleigh Semple.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruthann and James “Jimmy” Stefel; his brother, Charles Pizzi; and his sister, Deborah Decker.

A celebration of James’s life will be held at a later date for close family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Humane Society of Pinellas or the Parsippany Rescue and Recovery Unit.

James will be deeply missed and forever remembered. His spirit lives on through the memories shared, the stories told, and the love he leaves behind—forever loved, forever remembered, and always in our hearts.

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