Roll Call Tribute

James M. Sterling 

July 10, 1936 - April 3, 2025 

James M. Sterling of Anna, Texas passed away April 3, 2025, at the age of 88. He was born to William Ray and Minnie Esther (Roberson) Sterling on July 10, 1936, in Foote, Texas, now part of McKinney.

James graduated from Frisco High School in 1954 and liked to joke that he finished in the top 15 of his class-of 15. He received his BS in Industrial Education in 1958 from Texas A&M University, and then went on to pursue his Master of Education in 1960, also at Texas A&M. During those college years he met and fell in love with a young woman named Judith Longley. They were married on July 3, 1960, in Houston, TX. After graduation, James served in the United States Army, stationed in Denver, Colorado for two years. Upon completing his service, James began teaching mechanical drawing at Irving High School for one year before transitioning to a long and successful career in mechanical engineering. He spent most of his professional life at Texas Instruments and later at Raytheon, where he retired after 38 years of service.

In addition to his career, James was an attentive husband, involved father, loving grandfather and great-grandfather, brother and friend. In his quiet way, he loved teaching his kids and grandkids how to care for plants, how to build things, and how to enjoy nature. He was known for his few words and sharp wit.

James also loved architecture and design. Whether it was the floor plan for his parent's house, an awesome tree house for his kids, or a green house, he loved using his God given creativity.

His hobbies were numerous. As a member of the National Chrysanthemum Society, he found joy in growing and showing award winning chrysanthemums. His love for hands-on work extended to rebuilding a 1957 BMW Isetta, a project that exemplified his skill and attention to detail. He also had a passion for woodworking and in his later years enjoyed hand-crafting walking sticks made from unusual branches found around his property. James also spent time volunteering at Anna High School, where he contributed his time and expertise to their Robotics Program.

James is survived by his wife, Judy Longley Sterling of Anna, Texas; son, Shawn Sterling of Dallas, Texas; daughter, Liesl Triplett and husband, John of Anna, Texas; daughter, Colette Tjernagel and husband, Mark of Ashburn, Virginia; nine grandchildren, Travis, Kieran, Tori, Sierra, Jenner, Jackson, Morgan, Casey, and Blaire; three great-grandchildren, Selah, Ariel, and Judah; siblings, Thelma Rae Griffin of Prosper, Texas, Homer Glen Sterling and wife, Catherine of Lewisville, Texas, Billy Pat Sterling and wife, Patricia of Prosper, Texas, and Nancy Tyler and husband, Randy of Dallas, Texas; aunt, Doris Waltrip of Cedar Hill, Texas; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Minnie Sterling, grandson, Victor Sterling, and niece, Jamie Rae Sterling.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Turrentine Jackson Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 North Central Expressway, Allen, TX 75013. A funeral service will be held at noon, Friday, April 11th, 2025 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, followed by a burial at Restland Cemetery, 13005 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75243.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America at https://alzfdn.org/