Ernest Vajda

Ernest James (Jim) Vajda, 85, of Williamsburg, Virginia passed away after a lengthy illness on Sunday, February 19th, 2023.

Jim was born in Washington, D.C. on April 5th, 1937 to Hungarian immigrants Julius and Helen Vajda and was the youngest of 7 children. After earning a Civil Engineering degree from the University of Maryland, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1959, earning his wings in 1960.

During his time in the U.S. Navy, he flew F8U Crusader combat air patrol fighter jets throughout the Vietnam war. In 1970 Jim was part of the startup group that created the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). For his efforts, he was awarded the EPA’s first Gold Medal for Achievement. He was also instrumental in starting the Dept of Energy. After serving in the highest levels of the U.S. Government, he retired in 1994.

He enjoyed driving his cherished Mercedes 560SL, gardening, the outdoors, visits from family, and telling stories about the good old days.

Jim is survived by his wife, Lynn; Children, Susan (Dean) Lewis, Lisa Vajda; Stepchildren; Jennifer Gullickson, Jacquelyn Gullickson; Grandchildren, Curtis Smallwood, Lauren Smallwood, Alexander Lewis, Ryan Smallwood; 3 great-grandchildren who he adored and many beloved nieces and nephews and Tia widow of John Vajda.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara (d. 2000); children, Scott Vajda, Sharon Vajda; siblings, Margaret Vajda, Julius Vajda, Helen Vajda, Rose Marie Vajda, John Vajda and Gerri Lough.

Services will be held on Friday, March 3, 2023 at 1:00 P.M. in Church of the Visitation, Topping, VA. With a reception to follow at the church where the family will receive friends.

Interment with military honors will be on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 11:00 A.M, at the Warrenton Cemetery, Warrenton, VA.

Arrangements by Faulkner Funeral Homes, Bristow-Faulkner Chapel, Saluda, VA.