Sterling Frank James, 79, passed away on August 16, 2024 in Hot Springs, South Dakota. He was born and raised on the North Side of Chicago, and also lived in Joplin, Missouri with extended family in the 1950s.

He was a 1963 graduate of St. George High School in Evanston. He served in the US Army 3rd Armored Cavalry from 1967 to 1969, stationed in Baumholder, Germany, and Fort Lewis, WA.

In 1969, Sterling married Claudia (nee Moline), and together they raised three sons in Illinois and Michigan.

He had a lifelong passion for planting walnut and cherry trees, a love he was able to indulge in spending time away from big city. He taught his sons to cultivate and care for the trees as well. He had a hobby of brewing beer, and will be remembered making Christmas morning an elaborate spread of holiday delicacies. His work included working on some of the earliest computer mainframes in Chicago, and eventually for more than 30 years with his family for Park Ridge Forms.

He was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Daisy Mae (nee Sampson.) As well as his brothers Johnny, Bob, Doug, and Joe. He is survived by his sister, JoAnne Walters.

Sterling is also survived by his three sons, Daniel (Cristin), Sean (Andrina), and Ryan (Jennifer).

For more information, please contact SterlingFJames@gmail.com