James D. “Jim” Sturdy
1953-2018
James Donivan Sturdy of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 7, 2018. James (Jim) was born in Holly, Colorado on October 17, 1953 to Roy L. Sturdy and Joyce Elizabeth (Rice) Sturdy. Jim is preceded in death by his father, Roy L. Sturdy, and brothers, Roy Leslie Sturdy and Kenneth Lee Sturdy.
He leaves cherished memories with his wife Patti, his daughters, Jennifer Sturdy and Lindsey Sturdy, and his mother Joyce Sturdy, nephews and many other loving family members.
Jim grew up in Minneola, Kansas and graduated in 1972 from Minneola High School where he was a member of the band and football team. Upon graduation he moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma where he attended Midwest Christian College and earned a degree in Christian Education. He furthered his education at the University of Central Oklahoma as well as Oklahoma City University.
His love for helping others led him to a position with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services working initially as a social worker then transferring to the child protection unit. Always involved in sports, he then took a position with Oklahoma Centennial Sports as the Manager of Public Relations and Marketing for the U.S. Olympic Festival ’89. Jim played an integral role in securing the national bid for
the 1989 U.S. Olympic Festival in Oklahoma City. He continued in sports taking a staff position with the Amateur Softball Association as Director of Program Development and Commissioner Relations. At the same time, serving as state coordinator for Sooner State Games.
Jim’s training in computer systems led him to be selected as the Director of Technology for Deer Creek Public Schools. Being the people person he was, Jim not only loved working with computers and but also with the teachers and students. Many of the students he encouraged went on to pursue careers in technology. His final career venture was as a Realtor. He found so much joy in helping people find a place to call home.
Throughout his lifetime the Lord provided Jim with many opportunities to use his talents. Some of those include Missionary work with Toronto Christian Missions in Eastern Europe, an event manager for the International Horse Show for Ponies of the Americas, Facility Study Manager for upcoming OKC events, coordination of the annual National Bible College Athletic Association Championship Tournament and on the board of The Ark, Emergency Shelter. He had so many cherished memories from the Psallousi Singing Group, his gospel quartets, teaching Sunday school, coaching basketball and softball teams, and so much more.
Jim was an avid sportsman. Hunting and fishing have been his passion since childhood.
He always looked forward to getting away from the city to enjoy nature. As a loving husband, father and son, Jim treasured time with his family. He always made time to listen and encourage those around him. He will forever be remembered by his generosity, empowering words, and always believe the best in others. Jim attended Crossings Community Church and loved his Lord. Till the very end, he had a strong belief his future was in God’s hands and had assurance in his King. Jim was a friend, encourager, and mentor to so many and will be greatly missed.
A memorial to celebrate Jim’s life will be held at Crossings Community Church on January 12, 2018 at 2:00pm in the Chapel. (14600 N. Portland Ave. OKC, OK 73134)
Memorial donations on Jim’s behalf may be made to the Beast Feast event held at Crossings Community Church. Please send to Crossings at 14600 N. Portland Ave. OKC, OK 73134 and reference Beast Feast in the memo.
Dan and I went to Forest Hill Christian Church with Jim and his family for many years. We enjoyed all the many things that Jim did to support the church, as well as being a major part of our Journey to Bethlehem.
Jim was a very loving man and many people including us had a lot of respect for him as a church leader, husband and father as well as a grandfather.
He will be greatly missed and we are praying for his family to have peace,
comfort and joy of knowing where he is and that will be with him one day.
Such a wonderful man! He was a very kind and generous man! Always made you smile. He will truly be missed!
Jim Sturdy was a giant of a man. He left a legacy with family and friends. I am saddened by his passing and yet praising God for his homecoming. We will see you soon Jimmy. Patti, though I can’t be at the memorial please know that I have you all in my thoughts and prayers. I have to be with my sister in Omaha for her stem cell replacement procedure or I would definitely be making the trip to OKC.
I had the privilege of working with Jim at the Department of Human Services. He was a joy as a co-worker and I have many fond memories of him.
My condolences to Patti and the girls.
I was priveleged to work with Jim at Sooner State Games and assist him during his tenure at American Softball Assocation. Indeed, Jim was a Giant of a man … always able to settle down the crowd and mediate differences, even during tight deadlines and argumentative clients.
My prayers go with Jim, his wife and daughters, and all the Sooner State Games family in this time of loss. We’ll miss you, Big Jim.
I had the privilege of knowing Jim while he was in High School. He was a product of a godly Mother and Father. I also had the honor of staying in their home while I was in college. Brother Jim was quick to laugh and forgive and slow to become angery. Jim loved the Lord Jesus Christ with all of his heart! He cherished his family, and loved God’s Church family! I am proud to call Jim my friend in Christ Jesus! Today Heaven is so much sweater because Brother Jim is there waiting on us! In my heart I can hear his laugh and see his big smile when it’s my turn to enter that gate. He’s a good, good man in the hands of a Great God! Love you Jim! Sincerely,
I knew him through the years, although not real close friends. I will never forget Jim at the journey to Bethlehem. He made it so real, standing there with his gavel. Jim always made one feel like they were his best friend when you saw him. Sorry i had to work, so couldn’t come to his celebration, but i agree with others that no doubts where he is. I am praying for all the family, cause i know he will be missed.
Would you email a copy of Jim Sturdy to my email address. The address is wheatlandmtg@sbcglobal.net. thanks michael bosley
I wished I had known his middle name was Donovan. I would have given him heck! He is such a good man and friend.
Patty, I am so sorry to hear that Jim passed. I guess I was grieving for Hayden’s passing that I didn’t know about this. I know you will miss him but happy he’s with the LORD and no longer in pain. Love you, Bonnie