Investing in Kids (INK!) honors James M. Stege and his work on behalf of students and teachers

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - Sept. 26, 2022 - PRLog -- Investing in Kids (INK!) is honoring the life of James M. Stege, architect and dedicated professional who helped innumerous teachers and students, and many in need throughout St. Johns County, and beyond. Stege's work to benefit educators and children was exemplified with the formation of INK!'s Five Learning Years (FLY) program. Stege worked with nonprofit staff members in 2014 to fundraise and start opportunities for FLY's early literacy intervention among youngsters in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and first grade.

Stege, 72, passed away in mid-September due to a serious illness and a lifetime of service to the community. He was a licensed architect in the State of Florida and project manager for more than 24 years in Northeast and Central Florida, along with owning and operating a well-known fish camp resort in Satsuma, Fla., and Stegbone, Inc., an architectural firm. He worked extensively in designing and helping to build St. Johns County School District schools and supported a wide variety of nonprofits in Northeast Florida with youth, education, and environmental issues.

According to Donna Lueders, Executive Director of INK!, Stege joined the education foundation as a board member in 2010 until 2016. During this time, he worked with Mary Alice Hayes, FLY's Program Director. "I'm sadder than I can say. Jim's impact and support meant the world to me. He was so passionate about FLY and would be proud of its success. He kept watch over the program and always asked how we were progressing," she said.

Tim Forson, Superintendent of St. Johns County District Schools, remembers Stege was a true friend of the school system. "I first met Jim as a representative of SchenkelShultz Architecture. He immediately built a relationship with the staff and demonstrated a commitment to delivering outstanding schools," said Forson. "I was also able to work with Jim through INK!, the St. Augustine Historical Society, and several volunteer projects that benefited the community. Jim was a big man with a huge heart for children and he will be greatly missed." For more information, contact Donna Lueders at Donna.Lueders@stjohns.k12.fl.us or 904-547-7120. Visit the website at www.ink-stjohns.org.