Jim Sturgeon, was born and raised in the small town of Sikeston, Missouri. His parents, Dillard and Grace, welcomed their only child into the world on October 22, 1933 and gave him the name James Dillard Sturgeon, Jr. During World War II the family lived for a brief time in Oceanside, California where his father was stationed, returning to Sikeston in 1943. Jim attended Sikeston High School where he competed on the track and field team as a long distance runner, and later graduated in 1951. His first job was as an Assistant City Clerk, where he met the love of his life, Frona McGill, who also worked downtown as a bookkeeper for a local business. Jim and Frona were married on May 30, 1954, and together they raised 4 children who in turn married and blessed them with 8 grandchildren, who in turn married and blessed them with 15 great-grandchildren.
Jim served in the US Navy from 1955 to 1965, achieving the rank of Radarman First Class and earning several commendations for leadership. He joined the assembly line at Babcock Electronics in Costa Mesa, California in 1965, and within a short time was moved into the position of production manager. During a distinguished career, he went on to earn the highest reputation as a Vice President of Production at several electronics companies in Southern California.
Jim retired to Menifee, California with his wife Frona and daughter Laura in 2004, where he enjoyed seeing his family, meeting his neighbors, and keeping the neighborhood lawns looking great.
Jim passed away on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at the age of 89 after an 8 year battle with dementia. He is survived by Frona McGill Sturgeon, his wife of over 69 years, their 4 children Janet, Rhia, Robert and Laura, and their 8 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
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