Our family is heartbroken over the loss of our loved one, James L. “Jim” Salavejus, 79, who departed this life Sunday, March 11, 2018, surrounded by his family at the Virginia Commonwealth University Hospital. James L. Salavejus, who was known lovingly by his family and friends as “Jim,” but to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was their “Papa.” He was born Jan. 9, 1939, in Detroit, Mich., to the late Charles Salavejus and Lois Worthington.
Jim met the love of his life, Lorraine P. Lipka at the young age of 21, in Detroit, Mich. It was love at first sight, and they married after three months of courting. They were united in holy matrimony for 57 years. Two sons were born of this union, James Anthony and Timothy Karl.
Above all else, family and faith were most important to Jim. He loved nothing more than being surrounded by his family, especially at holidays. He was blessed to have his children live close by and would regularly drop by to say hello, and never parted without telling them that he loved them. He accepted Christ as his personal Savior and was a devoted member of The River Church in Toano. Jim was a faithful servant of God, always offering a helping hand, listening ear, a hug or prayer. He volunteered at various programs to help families in need.
Jim joined the U.S. Navy in January 1957, where he became a chief warrant officer. His career spanned over 27 years. The family enjoyed many military tours, including Cuba, California, Florida, Illinois and Virginia.
During his years of military service, Jim received numerous decorations. To name a few: Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Battle “E” Ribbon, China Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three stars, Combat Action Ribbon; Good Conduct Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, Nava; Expeditionary Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.
After retiring, Jim was employed 10 years at the Newport News Shipyard as a quality assurance specialist.
Jim leaves to cherish his memory with his loving and devoted wife, Lorraine P. Salavejus; two sons, James Anthony, and his wife, Stephanie, of Williamsburg and Timothy Karl, and his wife, Rebecca, of New Kent County, Va.; sister, Sharyn Czegus, and her husband, Lee, of Macomb County, Mich.; three grandchildren, Rachel Harper, and her husband, Garret, Noah Salavejus and Leah Salavejus; one great-granddaughter, Viviana Harper; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He will be missed greatly, but we will be reunited with him in heaven.
We will be celebrating his life in a homecoming service at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 17, at The River Church, 8824 Richmond Road, Toano. Private interment will be held in Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested for the Proclaiming Grace Outreach.
Share online condolences with the family at bucktroutfuneralhome.net.
