James “Richard” Sturgell
In the summer of 1944, he and his family moved to Spencer, IN. where Richard began his education at Spencer Elementary School. He also attended Spencer Junior High School and Spencer High School.
In 1956, Richard enlisted in the United States Air Force where he graduated. He served his country for four years with honor, and with great pride as a Communication Machine Repairman.
During his service to his country, he was stationed in Sado Shima Island, Japan. He was also stationed in Cheyenne, WY. Tampa, FL., and New Hampshire. While stationed in Japan, Richard was the manager of the Airman’s Club and felt it was wrong for the Air Force men to dance together. He drove into town and brought back ladies for the soldiers to dance with at the club.
Richard was a member of the Spencer Jaycees from 1963 to 1973. During his fellowship with the Jaycees, he was voted in as President where he along with fellow Jaycees members were able to complete a project which provided street signs for Spencer.
For over 30 years Richard was a professional car salesman at Curry Buick, Volkswagen, and Geggie Motors. He enjoyed meeting people and his passion not only for cars, but for motorcycles made his job easy to do.
In the summer of 1975, Richard started another chapter in his life. On June 28th, he married the love of his life, Judith Hawkins. From that day on his life would take him and Judi down many roads together and they would share their love for one another, their joys, and much happiness with their new family, consisting of three daughters, Debra, Barbie, and Jayna.
Richard loved and served God with all his heart and made the decision to visit McCormick’s Creek United Pentecostal Church in Spencer, IN. Pastor and Mrs. Robertson and the entire church family accepted not only Richard and Judy, but their family into their hearts and welcomed them into the church.
Richard is leaving behind many saddened hearts of those he loved dearly including his wife of 33 years, Judi (Hawkins) Sturgell of Spencer, IN., their daughters Debra (Sturgell) Jones of Spencer, IN., and Jayna R. Lucas wife of Danny Hendrickson of Poland, IN. He is also leaving behind a sister, Marcia (May) Sheese of Gosport, IN., and a brother Stephen May of Florida. Richard enjoyed his grandchildren Jenna Sims, wife of Derek Sims of Loogootee; Sarah Coffman, wife of Duane Coffman of Bloomington; Stephanie Jones of Oklahoma; Tyler Hammond, husband of Tia (Lovall) Hammond of Florida, and Michael White of Bloomington. Richard was also blessed with great grandchildren, Jada Sims of Loogootee, Emma Coffman of Bloomington, and Hayden Hammond of Florida.
James “Richard” Sturgell was preceded in death by his mother, Vera Marguerite (Tyner) Sturgell, a son, James Anthony Sturgell in 1956, and a daughter, Barbara Lee Sturgell in 2007.
Richard’s smile, bubbly personality, and tender-heart will be missed not only by his wife, their family, and his church family, but many of friends he gained while writing his book on the road of life. Richard’s philosophy saying in life, “Let it go” will be forever in hearts of those he touched.
Arrangements have been made with Nathan Butler Funeral Home with the visitation from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on Thursday, October 2, 2008 at McCormick’s Creek United Pentecostal Church 3138 East State Hwy 46, Spencer, IN. The funeral service will be following the visitation at 2:00 pm..
In lieu of flower memorials, the family is requesting memorial contributions should be made to Bloomington Hospital Hospice &/or CJD Foundation, INC., PO Box 5312, Akron, OH 44334
Online condolences can be expressed to the bereaved family.