James R. Stafford III

James R Stafford III, aka (Jim, Jimmy/Jim Bon) born July 28, 1970 to James R. Stafford, Jr. and Jean (Burger) Weese in Chillicothe, Ohio, passed away during the afternoon of January 12, 2026 at his home in Waverly, Ohio. He had a long, hard battle and struggled with complications associated with Multiple Myeloma (Bone Marrow Cancer).

March is Multiple Myeloma awareness month, represented by a maroon ribbon. Jim always made a point to remind myself and others of that... since it is a cancer which most are unaware and one that strikes few, usually much later in life. He gave his all, every single day. He would often ask: "What have you accomplished today?" He was the rock for his family and friends. Jim was a beloved son, brother, father, uncle, friend, and husband. No man should have to suffer through the pain that he endured. He never had an excuse or accepted one from others. 

Jim would do anything for anyone, no matter the time or circumstance, and he would never ask or expect anything in return. I guess his love language was that of service. He was tough. He was extremely intelligent. I often told him he was too smart for me. He could comprehend and solve problems instantly. Whether it was fixing something or resolving an issue. He was relentless in every stretch of the imagination. Perhaps that is how he lasted as long as he did. 

Jim fought harder than many would have in his physical state. He never gave up... no matter how much he was hurting. He stayed positive during his illness and often offered advice of all sorts to friends and family. He was always on the phone talking with someone, as his body was too broken to travel. He had no use for texting or FaceBook. He preferred having conversations in person or over the phone. 

Jim spent 15 years with his wife, Tara, in Summerville, South Carolina. Tara was an art teacher for those 15 years and Jim worked several years alongside his younger brother, Brian, working for Brian's lake and pond management company. Jim and Tara moved back to Ohio, in June of 2023, in hopes of better medical treatment and a more peaceful existence. And, so that Tara could be closer in proximity to her family. Jim did his best to set me up as much as he possibly could, knowing that his time was short. 

Jim loved watching the birds and staring at the trees. We really were looking for a more peaceful surrounding for his last years on this Earth. But, life offers you what it does and you have to adapt and learn and accept what it provides or offers. What else can you really do? Jim often said, "Ease up on your Emotions and Focus on your Desires". Words he would want those he left behind to live by. 

Jim was predeceased by his half sister, Abigail (Abby) Stafford of Chillicothe, Ohio. Jim is survived by parents, Jim Stafford, Jr. of Chillicothe, Ohio; mother Jean Weese (Rick), of Chillicothe, Ohio; by his beloved son, Jacob Stafford, of Aynor, South Carolina; by his beloved brother Brian Stafford (Vicky); by his beloved niece and nephew (Elisabeth and Andrew) of Summerville, South Carolina; and by his wife Tara (Drake) Stafford, originally of London, Ohio.

Jim would not want tears or regrets. He believed that his energy would transfer elsewhere. I hope it transfers to a peaceful and serene place. One where his body is no longer an obstacle to his happiness. He was such a physical being and truly enjoyed a hard day's work. That's a rare quality. I hope his energy transfers to a place where he is able to do the little things he so longed to do... like taking a stroll along a creek or riverbed, fishing, hunting for artifacts, fossils, interesting rocks or mushrooms. I picture him walking through and watching nature, taking in the sky, gazing at the stars, and all the beautiful things that this physical world offered. All the small things that only cost a little bit of time. Jim also loved all sorts of music. He spent hours playing songs on the computer or music videos on YouTube. He would often reminisce about playing the role of DJ when he was younger... a role that he possessed until the end. He also tried to teach himself to play the guitar, and regretted not picking it up sooner.

If you want to remember Jim or celebrate him in your own way... that would be his wish for you. Or, just do something for someone, without expectation or regret. Call on someone. Visit someone. I know his friends and family meant the world to him. You can honor Jim by just taking the time to stop in and visit with an old friend. Just sit on the porch for a few moments, share a memory, give something that doesn't cost you anything but maybe a bit of your time.

I think that was the hardest part to witness. Jim held no grudges, as people have lives and once you are out of sight, you are out of mind. Don't leave your life with regrets, do something while you are actually living and have the ability to do so. 

I miss Jim so much already. I love you. You were loved. I will be the rock you wanted me to be. I will pick up where you left us. Be free. Be happy. Be healthy to enjoy all the little gifts your next life or experience has to offer. Maybe allow yourself the time to pick up that guitar and teach yourself how to play. You deserve some down time and are allowed to let yourself be taken in by the little things that make life worth living.With peace, love, and gratitude...