James Godfrey Pastorius, 80

James Godfrey “Jay” Pastorius, Jr., 80, of Butler, PA, passed away Friday, January 14, 2022, in Orange Park, FL.  He was born in Pittsburgh, PA to the late Ruth and James G. Pastorius, Sr.  

Jay attended the University of Virginia, where he proudly participated in the Jefferson Society, serving as both secretary and president. Due to his academic success, he earned the distinction of living on the Lawn in his final year at the University.  He was one of the first to graduate with honors from UVA’s School of Engineering with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Following his time at UVA, he served in the United States Navy for 5 years as an instructor at the Nuclear Power School in Bainbridge, MD.  After separating from the Navy, Jay spent his adult life in Butler, PA and Richmond, VA, where he was employed as a project manager for Philip Morris for over 20 years.  He spent the final year of his life enjoying the company of his immediate family in Middleburg, FL. 

Jay was an avid student of history, with a particular fascination in the American Civil War.  This interest led him to join the Grand Army of the Cussewago, with whom he enjoyed annual trips to Civil War Battlefields and sites.  As a proud Conservative, he was actively involved in Western Pennsylvania politics and served as campaign manager for multiple successful bids for office. In addition to his academic and political interests, he was an incredibly talented woodworker, who created many beautiful pieces of furniture for his family and friends.  He loved gardening, reading, watching golf, cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers, and listening to classical music. 

Jay was preceded in death by his parents as well as his brother, Thomas V. Pastorius, Sr.  He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Ruth Ann McDowell Pastorius of Butler, PA; his daughter, Charlotte Pastorius Freund, his son-in-law Brin Freund, and his grandson, Samuel Freund of Middleburg, FL; his nephews Thomas V. Pastorius, Jr. (Felice) of Austin, TX, and Franz Daniel Pastorius (Alina) of Munich, Germany; and his sister-in-law Mary Beth Pastorius (Connor Cogswell) of Sewickley, PA.

 A memorial service is planned for later this year. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Jay’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate/. 

Arrangements are under the care of Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, FL  32043.  Family and friends may share their condolences at: www.RHRFH.com 904-284-7720