James A. Satterfield, 92, passed away September 26, 2023, with his loving family at his side. James, at the age 15 ½ months, was stricken with polio from his left hip to his toes. Through the largess of Alfred I. du Pont, James and a group of boys and girls spent the summer of 1939 at du Pont’s Cherry Island estate near Cambridge, Maryland (a precursor of today’s A.I. Dupont Hospital for Children). In 1943, James was again the recipient of Mr. du Pont’s legacy when, as the 35th patient at the now world-renowned complex, underwent surgery and spent five months there in recovery and rehabilitation at no cost to the family. He subsequently acquired a 2 ½ inch lift on his left shoe during his teen growth years.
A Goldey College graduate, he earned the Associate of Arts Degree in just 18th months. He was inducted into the Goldey Beacom Distinguished Alumni Gallery in 1989. Jim began his twenty-five years plus years affiliation with the Boy Scouts of America, joining Troop 11 in Wilmington as a Tenderfoot and participating as a scout, leader/advisor in the Sea Scout and Explorer Scout programs including Chesapeake Bay long boat and sailing cruises, Canadian canoe trip, backpacking on Maine’s Mount Katahdin, Vermont Long Trail maintenance/grooming and snow shoeing leading to the formation of Snowald, a Delaware corporation promoting conversation on its 250+ acre Stratton Mountain forestland in south-central Vermont. He was a Boy Scouts of America James E. West Fellow.
Jim married the love of his life, Jean Patricia Hitchens (a true Delawarean born in Lewes, Sussex County), who he met on a blind date. Their 59 year marriage was one of mutual enjoyment in the Lord through their association with Newark Baptist Church where Jim was a faithful member, Deacon, Trustee and served as Treasurer. Jim and Jean also enjoyed primitive camping, overseas adventures and time spent with family and friends. The family grew with the arrival of Gail Lynn who married John J. Bouwkamp.
Jim and Jean were the proud grandparents of Alexis Rose Bouwkamp. Jim began his working career at Silverside Supply Company as bookkeeper/counterman, Delmarva Power and Light Purchasing Department, electing early retirement from Hercules Incorporated at age 57 as Manager, International Transportation and Quality Control with 32 years’ service.
Professional associations included Traffic Club of Wilmington (Board of Directors); World Trade Association of Philadelphia (President and Board of Directors); Ports of Philadelphia Maritime Society; Shipper Advisor United Nations Safety of Life at Sea Committee in conjunction with U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Department of Transportation; Shipper Advisor, National Maritime Council; member International Maritime Council; and member American Society of International Executives.
Civic and patriotic activities included the Wilmington Jaycees, Chairman Hercules Corporate United Way Pacesetter campaigns, General Society War of 1812 member and the Society of the War of 1812 in the State of Maryland based upon his 4x great grandfather Captain Elijah Satterfield’s civilian and six-year military duties.
Jim is survived by Gail, John and Alexis Bouwkamp; brother, John (June); sister, Patricia (Dave) Douglas; sisters-in-law, Gerry Satterfield and Theresa Satterfield; three nieces and four nephews. Preceding him in death were parents, James Albert Satterfield and Margaret Farren Satterfield; brothers, William and Robert Satterfield; and his wife, Jean Patricia Satterfield.
Services will be private. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Newark Baptist Church, or to the Country Rest Home.
