Sterling, James A. 1932-2025 St. Joseph, Mo.

James “Jim” A. Sterling, 92, St. Joseph, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025. Jim was born on Nov. 15, 1932, in Elwood, Kansas, to the late William and Mary (Philips) Sterling.

Mr. Sterling served his country in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955.

Jim worked as a truck driver for Dugdale Packing Company and then for Johnson Controls. In his later years, he worked as a greeter and a paint mixer for Wal-Mart until his retirement.

Jim was a member of Patee Park Baptist Church. He was an avid fly fisher and loved trout fishing trips to Roaring River State Park. Jim also enjoyed arts and crafts, he was a talented painter and designed homemade greeting cards.

James married Bessie Lyon on March 1, 1952. They celebrated 65 years until her passing on July 25, 2017.

In addition to his wife and parents, James was also preceded in death by his siblings, Leo Sterling, Iona Lyon and Richard Sterling.

James is survived by his son, James Sterling Jr.; grandson, James Sterling III; sister-in-law, Sylvia Summers (Gary); and nieces and nephews.

Arrangements under the direction of Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel.

In Lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made to Patee Park Baptist Church. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.