Our Staff

Staff members of Bucktrout Funeral Home are caring and experienced professionals who understand that each family is unique and has personal requests and traditions. These requests and traditions are of utmost importance to our staff of licensed funeral directors.

James E. Altmeyer, Jr. : President

James E. Altmeyer, Jr.

President

President of Altmeyer Funeral Homes & Crematory, graduated from Villanova University in Philadelphia, PA, in 1988 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. In 1989 he graduated from Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science with an Associate’s Degree in Mortuary Science. Jim and his wife, Jocelyn C. Altmeyer, have two sons, Simon Cameron and James Elijah and a daughter, Justine Virginia.

Jim says, “Being a part of the Altmeyer Funeral Home organization is a great experience. This is because of the excellent group of individuals who make up our team. These people strive to give the same service they would expect for their own family. This is why we believe our standard of service is so high.”

jimmy@altmeyer.com
James E. Altmeyer, Sr. : Chairman

James E. Altmeyer, Sr.

Chairman

Chairman of Altmeyer Funeral Homes & Crematory, resides in Wheeling, West Virginia. He is the son of the late John D. Altmeyer and Evelyn Keeley of Wheeling. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in Wheeling, and from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, in 1961. After serving as a Major in the United States Army, Jim resigned in 1972 and returned to the Ohio Valley.

For over 20 years Jim served as President of Altmeyer Funeral Homes & Crematory, serving families in Ohio, West Virginia, and Virginia. He is an active member of many civic organizations, including the board of directors of Wesbanco, Wheeling Hospital, and the American Legion Home Corporation. Other memberships include the VFW, Rotary Club, and the Serra Club. Jim currently serves on the Consol Energy Inc. Board of Directors, and as a civil service commissioner for the Wheeling Fire Department. He is a past president of both the Fraternal Order of Police Associates and the Oglebay Institute. From 1974 through 1976 Jim served as a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates. He was also the first president of the West Virginia Veterans Memorial Commission.

Jim is married to the former Edith Stoney, and they have four children: James E. Altmeyer, Jr. of Virginia Beach, VA; Joanne Altmeyer High of Charlottesville, VA; Cameron Altmeyer Walsh of Washington, DC; and Charlotte Anne Altmeyer of New York, NY.

jim@altmeyer.com
Chris Sisler : Vice President - General Manager

Chris Sisler

Vice President - General Manager

Chris Sisler is the Vice President and General Manager of the Altmeyer Funeral Homes in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Williamsburg and Newport News, Virginia; as well as our locations in Northeastern North Carolina and Tampa, Florida. Chris has been a Virginia licensed funeral director with the Altmeyer Funeral Homes since December of 2002. Chris is a graduate of Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science. Chris and his family attend the Ohef Sholom Temple in Norfolk. He is a member of the Mens Club of Ohef Sholom Temple. He also sits on the Board of Directors for Berger-Goldrich Beth Sholom Home. Chris is native of Hampton Roads and resides in the Virginia Beach area with his family.

csisler@altmeyer.com
Miranda Gomez : Funeral Service Vice President/ Funeral Director

Miranda Gomez

Funeral Service Vice President/ Funeral Director

Miranda Gomez has served as a Funeral Director at Altmeyer Funeral Homes & Crematory since 2014. For a decade, Miranda has been passionate about helping families personalize services. She became Funeral Services Vice President in 2015.

A native of Virginia Beach, Miranda graduated from the Funeral Service Program at Tidewater Community College with an Associate’s of Applied Science Degree in 2010. She married her husband Josh in 2013 and they they have two precious children as well as two Boston Terriers, Kimber and Sprocket. In her free time, Miranda enjoys traveling, going to the beach, and kayaking.

mgomez@altmeyer.com
Diane Compagnone : Funeral Director

Diane Compagnone

Funeral Director

Diane Compagnone-Twist, a Gloucester native and animal lover, joined the Altmeyer family in May 2015. Diane graduated Cum Laude from Tidewater Community College with a degree in Mortuary Science in 2015. She then completed her internship with Altmeyer in June of 2017. Diane’s specialty is personalizing every aspect of a funeral service; making each service unique and special. Diane lives in a mini zoo filled with dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs and her husband, Matthew. In her free time, Diane loves to save animals and go to Disney World; her favorite ride is Tower of Terror

dcompagnone@altmeyer.com
Lindsay Shelton : Funeral Director

Lindsay Shelton

Funeral Director

Lindsay Shelton, a local to Williamsburg, joined the Bucktrout family in October 2016 as a funeral attendant. She has completed her degree in Mortuary Science from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science where she was consistently on the Dean’s List. During her time at Bucktrout, Lindsay has been able to connect with wonderful families and help them memorialize their loved one with honor, dignity, and respect. In her free time, Lindsay enjoys spending time with her partner Bobby, their 6 children, traveling, and living life to the fullest. In addition to her human family, Lindsay has two English bulldogs and is the primary caregiver for our emotional support dog Benji.

lshelton@altmeyer.com
Joseph Moritz : Funeral Director/Pre-Arrangement Specialist

Joseph Moritz

Funeral Director/Pre-Arrangement Specialist

Joseph Moritz, Pre-Arrangement Specialist and Funeral Director, started with Altmeyer Funeral Homes and Crematory in August 2020. Joseph has been in the funeral service profession for 20 years serving families in Hampton Roads. He graduated from John Tyler with an Associate’s Degree in Mortuary Science. Joseph has two children, Haley and Joseph.

Meeting with families to discuss pre-arranged funeral plans is the most loving gift that we can provide for our loved ones. Knowing that all of the details have already been taken care of when a death occurs gives great peace of mind and makes everything so much simpler.

josephmoritz@altmeyer.com
Brandon Killian : Funeral Director

Brandon Killian

Funeral Director

Regan DeBord : Funeral Director

Regan DeBord

Funeral Director

Regan DeBord, a Surry resident, joined the Altmeyer family in December of 2023. She graduated in 2018 from John Tyler Community College with an associate degree in Mortuary Science. And in 2022 she obtained her bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Serving families and offering personalized services is Regan’s passion. She also has a heart for mortuary science education and mentors’ students. When she is not at the funeral home, she enjoys time with her family. She has two daughters, Riley & Avery, her other half, Nate and their four dogs. In her free time, she enjoys throwing darts, reading, and watching documentaries.

rdebord@altmeyer.com
Stephanie Seay : Advanced Planning Director

Stephanie Seay

Advanced Planning Director

sseay@altmeyer.com
Marcella Williams : Community Outreach/Funeral Director

Marcella Williams

Community Outreach/Funeral Director

Marcella, who joined the Altmeyer team in 2015, is a Licensed Funeral Director who serves as the Community Outreach Coordinator for our Newport News and Williamsburg locations. Born in Norfolk, she was raised in Virginia Beach and has now lived on the Peninsula for over 15 years. An alumni of Old Dominion University and Tidewater Community College, she is also the current Chair of the Peninsula Task Force on Aging and the Vice Chair of the Peninsula Agency on Aging Advisory Council. In addition, Marcella is a Certified Aftercare Specialist.  She is dedicated to improving the lives of seniors in the community as well as educating others on topics related to grief and bereavement.

Jenna Barnes : Funeral Service Apprentice

Jenna Barnes

Funeral Service Apprentice

Jenna Barnes, born in Williamsburg, joined the Bucktrout family in July of 2023. She is a
graduate of Rappahannock Community College with an Associate's Degree in English. She
graduated Summa Cum Laude. Currently, she is a student at Brightpoint Community College for
their Funeral Services Program.
She is very excited to have joined the Bucktrout family and is dedicated to serving the local
community through their hard times.

Benjamin Doodle Bucktrout : Support Dog in Training

Benjamin Doodle Bucktrout

Support Dog in Training

Benjamin Doodle Bucktrout is an emotional support dog in training who can usually be found at our Bucktrout of Williamsburg chapel but he has traveled to events as well as services around the Peninsula to support his community. Benji, a Goldendoodle,  joined the team in January of 2019 and has his lessons on-site with a specialized trainer. He enjoys bird-watching, fox toys, and carrots and bananas for snacks. His favorite thing to do is to meet and greet new people.

Moody Harp : In Memoriam

Moody Harp

In Memoriam

Moody Allen Harp, Jr., 76, of Newport News, went to be with his Lord Saturday, January 25, 2020.

Moody was a proud loving husband, grandfather, and a newly great-grandfather, who put his family first. Moody had many vocations over his life; USAF Veteran; multiple years in sales; afterwards, he spent the rest of his career as an Aviation Ordnance Mechanic at NWS Yorktown. After retirement he spent many years traveling with his wife and friends. When not traveling, he worked part-time at Altmeyer Funeral Home. He also redirected himself as an active member of Warwick #336 AF&AM Masonic Lodge in Newport News.
Moody is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Nita; son, Moody J. Harp (Denise); daughters, Beverly K. Emerson (Frank) of Yorktown and Connie Curtis (David) of Hayes; grandchildren, Ashley Wuska, David Curtis Jr., Rachel Wuska, Douglas Curtis, Brittany Curtis, Eric Harp and Parker Harp; and one great granddaughter, Sydney Marie.

A celebration of Moody’s life will be held 11:00 am Saturday, February 1, 2020 at Altmeyer Funeral Home, Denbigh Chapel, officiated by Dennis Worsham. In lieu of flowers, please make a charitable contribution to Lebanon Christian Church, designated for the Bell Fund.

Tristess Junkins : Funeral Assistant

Tristess Junkins

Funeral Assistant

tjunkins@altmeyer.com
Eddie Belford : Funeral Assistant

Eddie Belford

Funeral Assistant

Bob Williams : Funeral Assistant

Bob Williams

Funeral Assistant

Bob's professional experience began in 1969 after 4 years with the U.S. Coast Guard. He was hired by the IBM Corporation and spent the next 30 years in various positions before his retirement in 2000. At this time he created the FCE Yacht Corporation to assist boat owners in North Florida. Having been a boater for years, he saw the need to help new boaters gain experience and to support existing boaters.

He and his family moved to Williamsburg, having lived there for a time during his IBM career. Bob worked at St. Olaf Catholic Church as Facilities Manager, and is currently the head minister for funerals held there. Bob and his wife Pat have 3 children and two cats, and live in James City County. In his spare time he volunteers for Jamestown Settlement guiding visitors.

Mark Shepard : Funeral Assistant

Mark Shepard

Funeral Assistant

Tera Meesawan : Funeral Assistant

Tera Meesawan

Funeral Assistant

A native of New York City, Tera moved to Virginia during high school. She is currently a senior at Christopher Newport University, majoring in Electrical Engineering and has been a member of the Altmeyer team since 2020. Tera is a part of various academic organizations such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the Association of Computing Machinery. In her free time, Tera enjoys studying architecture, reading, creating budget proposals, and interior design.

tmeesawan@altmeyer.com
Matt Twist : Funeral Assistant

Matt Twist

Funeral Assistant

Matthew Twist became a member of the Bucktrout team in December 2019. Matthew graduated from Regent University with a Bachelors Degree in Cinema Television in 2015. He has worked full time at WAVY TV 10 in Portsmouth since October of 2015 as an Assignment Editor, where he assigns reporters stories, and finds news stories for air and online content. Matthew is a big New York Yankees fan. He enjoys spending time with his wife Diane, who is a full time Funeral Director at the location. They like going on different trips throughout the year, especially Disney World, and being around their mini zoo of animals at home in Gloucester.

Kerry White : Funeral Assistant

Kerry White

Funeral Assistant

Karen Coulson : Funeral Assistant

Karen Coulson

Funeral Assistant

Elliot Jackson : Funeral Assistant

Elliot Jackson

Funeral Assistant

Alysia Tau : Funeral Assistant

Alysia Tau

Funeral Assistant

Kaylena Tau : Funeral Assistant

Kaylena Tau

Funeral Assistant

Robert Kinner Scott : In Memoriam

Robert Kinner Scott

In Memoriam

Robert and his wife were married June 28, 1968. They have a daughter, Leigh Anne, who is married to James Roberts, who have one son, Andrew. Robert’s son, Timothy and his wife Christine have two sons, Justice and Jayden.

He worked at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens as a horticulturist and with the Chrysler Museum as Assistant Curator of Fine Arts. After moving to Williamsburg, he worked for Colonial Williamsburg for thirty-five years and retired as Director of Landscape Services.

Currently, he is a Minister of Visitation for Kings Way Church and a Funeral Assistant with Bucktrout Funeral Home.

Robert Stewart : Funeral Assistant

Robert Stewart

Funeral Assistant

Robert Stewart has served as a Funeral Assistant for Altmeyer Funeral & Crematory for 4 years.

Residents of Williamsburg, he and his wife are active members at Smith Memorial Baptist Church.

Brenda Holland : Funeral Assistant

Brenda Holland

Funeral Assistant

Brenda has been a part time funeral attendant at Bucktrout Funeral home for over two years. She is a native of Suffolk, Virginia and relocated to Williamsburg in 1993. She and her husband Robert have been married for 40 years and have one son. She is retired from the Williamsburg James City County Public School System where she worked for over 32 years. She spends her days caring for her granddaughter and loves every minute of it. She enjoys people and being able to help her family and community.

Robert Holland : Funeral Assistant

Robert Holland

Funeral Assistant

Robert has been a funeral attendant with Bucktrout Funeral Home for two and a half years, and he has been a resident of Williamsburg for the past 24 years. He retired from accounting with John Deere Dealerships a few years ago. He and his wife Brenda have been married for 40 years and have one son, a daughter-in-law and a special granddaughter whom he and his wife spend their retired days watching. Robert really enjoys helping and serving the families of Bucktrout.

Tom Buneo : Funeral Service Assistant

Tom Buneo

Funeral Service Assistant

Kelsey Johnson : Funeral Service Assistant

Kelsey Johnson

Funeral Service Assistant