James "JRon" William Roncaglione's Obituary
James (“JRon”) William Roncaglione, 92, of Leesburg, VA, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2024, while under hospice care.
James was born on August 17, 1932, in Porter, OH, to Joseph Martin Roncaglione and Grace Shawver Roncaglione. He spent his early years assisting his parents and siblings with the operation of family farms before moving to St. Albans, WV and graduating from East Bank High School. He also attended American University and the University of the District of Columbia.
Known as an entrepreneur, businessman, skilled pilot, world traveler and prodigious storyteller, James moved to Virginia where he worked in automobile sales in Norfolk, VA and later became general sales manager for Lee D. Butler, a Lincoln-Mercury dealer in Washington, DC. He then tapped into his entrepreneurial side by designing, manufacturing, and selling automated vehicle washing equipment with clients such as the United States Post Office, Ford Motor Company, and Dulles International and Reagan National airports.
He also designed and developed litter retrieval equipment which on July 4th in the early 1980’s was used to clear the National Mall of the debris left behind by Independence Day celebrants. Among his other ventures, he owned a chrome plating plant in Tucson, AZ; and owned real estate in Virginia, West Virginia, Texas, Arizona and California. One of his favorite projects was a nine-unit office condominium in Leesburg, VA, which he developed and managed for many years.
Always interested in governance, James worked with a U.S. Senate Committee to update automobile titling and odometer law. He also worked to establish initiative and referendum legislation in the Commonwealth of Virginia. He served 11 Virginia governors on boards such as the Fire Services Board, the board for the Department of Conservation and Economic Development, the board for the Department of Housing and Community Development (chairman from 1990-1992), and the Manufactured Housing Board, serving as its chairman from 2002-2004.
As a pilot, James enjoyed acrobatic flying in his youth, including buzzing outdoor family gatherings and once suffering a potential life-threatening landing. At various times, he owned single or twin-engine airplanes and used them to pilot various dignitaries such as Governor Chuck Robb, Governor Jerry Baliles, and Attorney General Andrew Miller.
A commercial and instrument-rated pilot, James flew cross country trips as well as business or vacation trips to the Bahamas and Puerto Rico.
James’ love of international travel began in the 70’s and 80’s, traveling on business and vacation to Italy and Greece, and then to Japan as a Commonwealth of Virginia Delegate to the South-East U. S. Japan Association Conference, once giving a speech to Japanese dignitaries in their native language. He loved hosting friends and family on trips to Costa Rica, where he was part-owner of a 1,000-acre ranch. His other travels included China, Korea and numerous European countries.
James was predeceased by his parents, as well as siblings John, Joe Lee, Daniel and Anna Mae. James is survived by his wife, Geraldine (Geri) Jasper Roncaglione; son James Michael, daughter Julie; grandchildren Jared, Jason, Rachel, Robert and Kayleigh; great-grandchildren Isaac and Cosette; siblings Fred and Karen; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 22, 2024, at 2:00 pm at Loudoun Funeral Chapel, 158 Catoctin Circle SE, Leesburg, VA, followed by a reception.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Treasurer, St. Augustine of Canterbury Anglican Church, 15 Country Club Drive SW, Leesburg, VA 20175, or Loudoun Hunger Relief, 750 Miller Drive SE, Ste 110, Leesburg, VA 20175.
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