• Saturday, July 19, 2 P.M. Memorial Service for James Stelter, followed by reception in Walter Lord Room; all are welcome to attend.
James (Jim) Stephenson Stelter
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of James (Jim) Stephenson Stelter. Jim was 61 years old on June 20, 2025, when he was taken after a year-long battle with Leukemia. He was born in Buffalo, New York on January 25th, 1964, and lived most of his life in Buffalo until 2009 when he moved to Clermont, Florida. In Florida he lived with his partner Cheryl Van Meer and his son Tristan Lee Stelter. He worked for Universal Orlando as a vacation planning specialist for 7 years, and he loved his job. He was a big fan of Disney World and Universal Studios Theme Parks, Disney Movies and was an avid Buffalo Bills Fan. His favorite pastime recently was doing model tanks and many other models throughout his life, something he inherited from his father. In his younger years he played board war games with his childhood friends which shaped his strategic mind. He was a longtime active member at St. John’s Grace, was an acolyte, then crucifer and eventually became a sexton for a good number of years under Rev. Peter Bridgford’s tenure (Rev. Peter was a second father to him).
Jim was a loving son, brother, partner, father, and dear friend. Very recently, he came home to Buffalo, New York to his childhood home with his sisters where he was able to visit with some family and friends and do some of the things on his “bucket list”.
Jim is survived by his partner of 21 years, Cheryl Van Meer, his son Tristan Lee Stelter, his sisters Susan M. Stelter (Bernie Schwandt) and Kathleen A. Stelter (Martha Robinson), his nephew Robert M. Stelter (Brittany). As well as many cousins, aunts and uncles. He is preceded in death by his mother – Marian K. Stelter and father – Richard A. Stelter.
A memorial service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held at St. John’s-Grace Episcopal Church, 51 Colonial Circle, Buffalo, NY 14222 on Saturday July 19th, 2025 @ 2:00 pm. A reception will follow at the church.
He will be interred at Forst Lawn Cemetery at a later date.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in Jim’s memory can be made to:
St. John’s Grace Church, see address above to mail checks.
Or
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society using the link below:
Donate to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
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