James Haston Stoessel, formerly of Concord, died peacefully in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on October 29, 2024, surrounded by his family. He recently celebrated his 97th birthday.
Jim was born in Springfield in 1927, to Katherine (Haston) and Walter Stoessel. When Jim was 8 years old, the family relocated to Beverly Hills, California. Jim attended the Cate School, Claremont Men’s College, and graduate studies at the Wharton School. He later received a master’s in financial services from American College. In fall 1952, he met his beloved wife, Deborah Bucquet. They enjoyed 66 years of marriage until Deborah’s passing in 2020, raising five children together.
Professionally, Jim began his career with his father running a general life insurance agency with National Life of Vermont. In 1972, Jim and his family relocated to Massachusetts for positions with various financial institutions in estate planning and trusts, culminating his career as a planned giving officer for Northeastern University.
He was a faithful, active, and longstanding member at Trinity Episcopal Church, serving as a lay reader, in educational programs and forums, and in leadership roles in stewardship, planned giving, and fundraising efforts. He was an avid photographer, often using his talents to create holiday cards. He enjoyed skiing, reading, traditional jazz, and classical music.
Many remember learning about the “shot heard round the world” through his informal tours of Concord. He was a lifelong, dedicated Republican who served on town and state party committees in California and Massachusetts, though he reluctantly left the party in recent years. He is remembered by family, friends, and many whom he met as a kind, gentle, and welcoming person bearing a warm smile.
Jim is survived by sons Andrew (Susan) of Stonington, Maine; Peter (Lily) of Taos, New Mexico; Walter (Elizabeth) of Wilson, Wyoming; and daughter Sarah (Edward) Heres of Sewickley, Pennsylvania. Also, his grandchildren Christopher, Caroline, Peter, Marlen, Charlie, and Sophie, and many cherished nieces, nephews, and friends from California, Massachusetts, and, more recently, western Pennsylvania. He was predeceased by his daughter Jessica, with whom he shared a birthday; wife Deborah; sister Barbara; and brother Walter.
A memorial service at Trinity Church and interment at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, will be planned for spring 2025. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, 81 Elm Street, Concord, MA 01742 or to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements handled by Thomas M. Smith Funeral Home and Crematory LTD, Blawnox, Pennsylvania.
