Stephen Darol Jameson

4th generation Petaluman and Santa Rosa resident, Stephen Jameson passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 6, 2023. Steve was born on January 3, 1948 to Darol and Veva Jameson, the second of four children. Steve spent his youth in Petaluma, with summers at the family cattle ranch in Trinity County. He was predeceased by his parents and siblings Susan Jameson and Brent Jameson.

Steve had a life long yearning to educate himself and was able to discuss almost any topic with more than basic knowledge. Early years at St. Vincent’s elementary school he perfected his writing skills, even memorizing the prepositions and could still recite them in alphabetical order. Steve graduated from St. Vincent’s High School in 1966 attended Santa Rosa Junior College and San Francisco State. Eventually Steve received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Systems Management from University of San Francisco.

The 60’s were a time of turmoil and change and Steve joined the Army rather than wait to be drafted. In the face of uncertainty, a passion was ignited as Steve chose to become a helicopter pilot. The Army complied with his wishes, sending him to Ft. Rucker, AL for flight school where he emerged as a Warrant Officer and was promptly sent to Viet Nam. He continued with the Army after his tour, obtaining a flight instructor rating and served as a flight instructor at Ft. Walters, TX. Steve ended his promising military career at the Presidio in San Francisco, shortly after the tragic death of his older sister Susan.

Steve followed his brother into the field of law enforcement, first at Palo Alto PD, then at the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office, where he was a patrol deputy, K9 handler and helicopter pilot. Never losing sight of his passion, Steve obtained his commercial pilot license with the goal of shifting into his dream career - - flying. Steve ended his helicopter flying, when his brother, Brent, died in the Sheriff’s helicopter crash in 1980. Between 1980 and 1988, Steve flew for two regional airlines, and worked at the family trucking business, Roy Jameson and Son, started by his grandfather. In 1988 Steve joined the flight department of Korbel Champagne Cellars. He was co-pilot on the company’s jet for 23 years. Steve often described his time at Korbel as “a dream job… they actually pay me to do this!”

After a medical retirement from Korbel, Steve did not slow down. Often called a modern renaissance man, his thirst for learning new skills led him to explore many hobbies and skills. He would take classes to learn the basics of a skill, then expand that knowledge through further classes and mentoring from local masters of the given craft. He obtained insurance and real estate licenses, learned carpentry, woodworking, winemaking, videography, and cooking.

Steve’s thirst for knowledge was complimented by his desire to take care of others. His time being the “resident chef” best highlights this desire. Steve took a series of cooking classes and obtained a food safety certificate, so he “wouldn’t poison his parents” when he began preparing meals for them. Then he took a series of baking classes, where he became known as “Steve Stewart”. His chocolate decadence, forever roasted pork and paella became legendary. Family and friends were always treated to gourmet meals.

Those who knew Steve have remarked what a thoughtful, thinking, conscientious, generous, dependable and honorable person he was. Throughout his life he demonstrated these traits by volunteering at non-profit and political fundraisers, providing food at workdays, sitting on the

Goodwill Industries Redwood Empire Board of Directors, supporting others in obtaining their goals and helping those in need.

Steve is being missed by Diana, his wife of 40 years, sister Mary Jameson, stepson Matthew Broberg (Angela), father-in-law Ray Patrick (Edi), sisters-in-law Maureen Wendle (Wayne) and Joan Patrick (John), as well as nephews, nieces, cousins, many friends and of course his two boxer buddies: Baxter and Bailey.

Steve will be inured at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, Dixon. A celebration of life will be held in the spring.

In Steve’s memory, please consider supporting the US Department of Veterans Affairs efforts to continue supporting those who have served our country

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