John B. “J. J.” Stinson of Alexandria died April 6 in Riva
San Vitale, Switzerland.
He was 20 years old and a graduate of Bishop Ireton High
School in Alexandria.
Stinson was a second-year student and an academic junior
majoring in philosophy in the College of Liberal Arts and
Human Sciences at Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg.
At Tech, Stinson was a university honors student and was
participating in the university’s Presidential Global
Scholarship program when he died. He was active in the
Catholic Campus Ministry at Tech.
At Ireton, Stinson was a national merit commended student and
salutatorian at his graduation in 2010.
“He was one of the most honored students in his class,” said
Bishop Ireton Principal Timothy Hamer.
Hamer said that Stinson received the Salesian Medal in 2010,
which is given to a person who embodies the spirit,
enthusiasm and commitment to the Faith.
It was unusual for someone to be honored with both the
Salesian Medal and as a salutatorian.
More than 300 students took part in a prayer service last
week at Ireton. Hamer said that current students, alumni and
friends participated in the memorial and it was a testament
to the love that the Ireton community felt for Stinson.
Visitation will be April 20 at the Jefferson Funeral Chapel,
5755 Castlewellan Drive, Alexandria from 5-9 p.m.
A funeral Mass will be offered April 21 at St. Louis Church,
2907 Popkins Lane, Alexandria at 11 a.m.
