A Utica man, described as a hard worker and family man, was found dead Tuesday after apparently falling from a deer stand while hunting, said Hinds County Deputy Coroner Sammy White.

James Michael “Joe” Sigrest, 58, of Reedtown Road, was bow-hunting on property he owned off Chatman Road south of Utica. He was believed to have been alone. His stepson, Scott Dooley, found his body at about 7:30 p.m., White said. His death was caused by blunt trauma to the head, he added.

“The tree stand was about 15 feet from the ground,” White said.

Dooley said this morning that his stepfather died doing what he loved.

“He was an avid bow hunter,” he said. “He enjoyed all the things outdoors that nature has to offer.”

Sigrest had been retired from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for three years. While retired, he spent time hunting and working on the family farm, Dooley said. He also spent time teaching his seven grandchildren about the outdoors.

“He was a hard worker and had a great love for his family,” Dooley said.

In addition to his stepson and grandchildren, Sigrest is survived by his wife of 27 years, Pat Sigrest; stepson, David Dooley; and stepdaughter, Paige Turbbille.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the Utica Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday at Glenwood Funeral Home in Utica.