A loving, gentle man transitioned from his earthly life to his heavenly home when J.W. “Vijaya” Stallings, Ph.D., M.A., D. Ayur., age 70, passed away unexpectedly on September 20, 2014.

Vijaya was born in Savannah, GA on December 21, 1943, to John “Woody” and Violet Stallings. He grew up in Newport News, VA. In 1962, he graduated from Warwick High School where he was SCA class president, was voted “Most Likely to Succeed”, and played numerous high school sports. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in History/Political Science from the University of Virginia in 1966 in Charlottesville, VA. He graduated with a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with a Holistic Health Specialization from John F. Kennedy University at Pleasant Hill, CA. He graduated from the Ayurvedic Institute in Albuquerque, New Mexico under the mentorship of Dr. Vasant Lad, a world-renowned Ayurvedic physician and spiritual teacher. Vijaya also attained a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Emerson Theological Institute in Oakhurst, CA. He attended the Rishikesh Ayurvedic College in Rishikesh, India for comprehensive instruction and hands-on work with Ayurvedic scholars and doctors from all over India.

Vijaya was a Captain in the U.S. Air Force from 1966 to 1972. He spent the early years of his career in the real estate and mortgage business in Colorado and California. In his late 40’s, he decided to leave the corporate world and dedicate his life to teaching and helping others by becoming a certified Ayurvedic Practitioner and Personal Coach. He authored a book in 2009 entitled, Instilling Hope, Healing Fear.

Vijaya had a passion for travel. He visited numerous states within the U.S. and was also a world traveler, having made multiple trips to India, Belgium, England, and Spain. He was also known for his knowledge and love of craft beers. He recently had the pleasure of spending 10 days in Belgium and sampled what he enthusiastically referred to as the “The World’s Most Renowned Beer.” He spent a great deal of his time enjoying the latest beer on tap at Whole Foods, The Bier Garden, 80/20 Burger Bar, The Birch Bar, The Bier Garden, Mekong Restaurant & Bar, Water Street Grille, County Grill, and The Taphouse -just to name a few. Vijaya was also an avid movie-goer and critic. One of his favorite movies was The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, from which he often referred to this quote: “Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.” Most recently, he enjoyed the movie The Hundred-Foot Journey, a film which reinforced his passion and love for Indian food.

Vijaya was preceded in death by his parents, John “Woody” and Violet. He is survived by his son John W. Stallings, Jr. wife Ella Stallings, children Jonathan, Gabriella, and William Stallings and his daughter Stacy Froyen spouse Eric Froyen, children Dean and Joel Froyen; his siblings Gloria Brooks spouse Corky Brooks and Stan Stallings spouse Sheila Stallings; his nephew and niece Stanley Stallings and Julie Bowers and their mother Chris Stallings. He is also survived by his former spouse Kitty Flanary and her children Paul Ellis spouse Tracy Ellis, children Scott, Amber, and Sean Ellis and Kelly Greene, who Vijaya lovingly adopted as a daughter spouse John Greene and their children Nathan and Skyla Greene.

Vijaya was an inspiration to many. He had a deep spiritual practice and lived his life in the moment and to its fullest. His life and unconditional love for others was an example to all that knew him. He was loved by his family, countless friends, students, and clients from all over the world. He was also known for his dry and witty humor and he laughed at his own jokes quite often. His presence in the community will be greatly missed, but he will live on forever in the hearts of all those that had the pleasure and honor of knowing him. A private celebration of Vijaya’s life will held at a later date. If you would like to honor Vijaya’s life, please consider making a memorial contribution to his favorite charity at amma.org/donations.