James Peter Schroff

James Peter Schroff, 77, died Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at his residence in Fairfax Station, VA. Jimmy was born in Chicago, IL on June 14, 1947, son of the late William Henry Schroff, II and Elizabeth Conkey Schroff. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Maureen Hagan Schroff (Mikki - or ‘Mick’ as he called her) of Fairfax Station and Lake of the Woods, VA; two daughters, Jennifer Schroff Gambardella (Christopher) of South Riding, VA and Heather Maureen Schroff of Fairfax Station, VA; one ‘son by choice’, Troy McNeal (August) of Woodbridge, VA; one brother, Dennis Schroff (Brenda) of Vienna, VA; three grandchildren, Madeleine, Ryan and Alexa; several nieces and nephews, and many friends.

A successful and innovative entrepreneur, Jimmy grew up in McLean, VA, attending St. John the Beloved Academy and Marshall High School. He completed a four year apprenticeship with Master Jeweler Trygve Nupen, becoming the first and only graduate jeweler in the state of Virginia. As a certified gemologist and goldsmith, he created a one-of-a-kind ring for his wife as his graduation piece, which she continues to wear with pride. He later transitioned to residential and commercial building construction, eventually becoming a Realtor and Broker. His vast construction and real estate knowledge contributed to his decision to create one of the first radon testing and mitigation companies in Virginia, Maryland & D.C., which was in operation for over thirty-five years. He was regularly called on as a subject matter expert by local NBC Channel 4 News for radon-related reports. He was also the Principal Broker and owner of his own real estate firm, and a member of the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors. He was on the committee responsible for developing the Radon Addendum for the Virginia Realtor Residential Sales Contract, which is still used today.

Jimmy had a philanthropic heart, and lived his life with purpose. He was known by many as Santa Claus, not only because he bore a striking resemblance to him, but he undertook an annual mission to deliver toys, sweaters, socks and envelopes of money to several homeless, family, and women’s shelters every Christmas Eve. Upon joining the family, his son-in-law began accompanying him, helping to organize and distribute the gifts. Jimmy’s goal was to bring Christmas magic to those who would not otherwise be able to experience it, and he touched hundreds of lives through this special endeavor.

Jimmy was an avid car enthusiast, owning, building and restoring several classic cars. Some of his favorites include a 1970 Chevelle, a 1923 Ford Bucket T, a 1965 Cobra with Carol Shelby’s signature on the glove compartment, and a 1990 Corvette, which he recently gifted his grandson for Christmas. He was an active member of the Capital Area Cobra Club, participating in many weekend car cruises and events over the years. His family supported his love of cars, attending car shows, and loudly cheering when he would win an award. He and his son-in-law enjoyed driving his prized cars in the annual Lake of the Woods Fourth of July parade while his grandchildren would throw candy out the windows to onlookers.

Jimmy was very patriotic, and had a deep interest in politics, ethics, and government. In his younger years, he often campaigned for local candidates. He was an active member of the Virginia Citizens Defense League, as well as a supporter of the Izaac Walton League and the Anti-Defamation League. Jimmy also had a voracious appetite for knowledge, and took at least one college class a semester his entire adult life, until the last few years when Parkinson’s Disease prevented him from continuing. He took classes in everything from web design and finance to photography. He never lost his love of learning, and if all of his credits were added together, he would have had enough for several degrees.

Jimmy’s favorite activity was spending time with his family. There was nothing more important to him. Whether he was attending a dance recital, school play, or basketball game for one of his grandchildren, making them smiley face waffles for their birthdays, spending time on the boat, or playing boardwalk games at Rehoboth Beach, his family was the center of his world, and the part of his life that brought him the most joy. He was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren. And they knew he was always there for them, no matter what they were facing. His youngest daughter is special needs, and he was her champion, advocating for her in every aspect of her life. She always knew, if there was any problem, large or small, her father would handle it. The light of his life was his beloved wife, who he met when they were both fifteen years old. She supported him through every peak and valley in life. She was his number one fan, and her faith in him was unwavering. And when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, his protective nature kicked into overdrive. He made sure every day that she knew how much he loved her. When she lost her hair during chemotherapy, he brought her to the best wig shop in the area. When she underwent a mastectomy, he made sure she had everything she needed to recover and feel whole again. And when she no longer felt she looked like herself, he would sing Joe Cocker’s ‘You Are So Beautiful to Me’. Every night, without fail, he would sing this to her so she knew she would always be beautiful in his eyes. Even on his very last night, when he wasn’t feeling well, he made sure she knew how much he adored her. He was a hero and protector to his entire family, but there was no one on earth he loved and treasured more than his beloved wife.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the name of James P. Schroff to The Parkinson’s Foundation or The American Heart Association