Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
James A. Sturm
May 22, 1948 – February 23, 2021
Tuesday afternoon, February 23, 2021 a warm and generous heart stopped beating.
James Arthur Sturm, age 72 of Oshkosh, slipped peacefully into eternal life at the Mercy Medical Center emergency room. His sudden death has left a deep sadness in the hearts of his family.
For 27 years Jim shared a soul mate relationship with his wife, Maureen. Being patriarch to the Luaders-Sturm family for all that time suited him well. His presence in family life was large and engaging. He always greeted his grandchildren with huge hugs and pet names—Puddenhead and Little Sweetheart. He saw them several times a week and his arrival elicited squeals of laughter. His love of Harley-Davidsons is well known. He could often be seen driving by on his 2014 Harley-Davidson Tri-Glide with his special needs granddaughter on the back. She was always priority one with him and he would drop anything he was doing to go and help her day or night. His big heart was extended to all his 5 children in equal measure. He was a confidant, helpmate, and always incredibly generous. He kept close contact with his Boston children, and several times a year he would pack up his little black truck and head east to spend time with them.
As word of his sudden death spread through the community, many reminisced on the kind man they knew as an owner/vice president of A. Sturm & Sons, Inc. of Manawa, WI. He started in the family business as a teenager unloading sugar from boxcars, sweeping floors and breaking down boxes. He spent time working in the plant and doing every job possible to learn the business.
Jim attended Valparaiso and the University of Arizona, graduating with a degree in business. Waiting to be drafted during Vietnam, he returned to Manawa and immersed himself in the company. Along with several cousins, he and his brother Jay and sister Susan became the internal engine that drove A. Sturm & Sons, Inc. Jim was vice president, buyer, and transportation manager overseeing everything that moved in and out of the plant. Uniquely, he and his siblings were able to move between jobs as needed in their business. Jim was a people person and placed high value on those who worked for him turning out A. Sturm & Sons top notch products that eventually propelled the company worldwide. In 1999 A. Sturm & Sons, Inc. was sold, and Jim began new chapters in his life.
Up until his death, Jim was president of the Sturm Foundation which provides help to countless organizations across the state. He was also president of Sturm Farms, Inc.
His memory is cherished by his wife Maureen and the children he loved so much: Alex (Amanda) of Oshkosh, WI, Kelly (Mike) of Oshkosh, WI, Matt (Colleen) of Chicago, IL, Terrance (Kelly) of Boston, MA, and Amy of Boston, MA. Many children were blessed to call him their Grampa: Estelle, Finn, Domanic, Adeline, Aiden, Ethan, Akira, Caleb, Libby, Ben, Elayna, Davidson and Jadelyn. Other family members who will miss him in their lives are his brother Paul Jay Sturm (Pam), and 2 sisters, Mary Riesenberg (John) and Susan E. Sturm of Manawa.
In the past, Jim has expressed that his funeral should be quiet and unassuming. Honoring that wish, a private family gathering at the graveside will be held on Sunday.
Jim darling, however, will I live without you?
I will love you forever – until we meet again!
Maureen
Mueller Funeral Home-Winneconne is assisting the family.
If you wish, please submit online condolences to muellerfh.net.
Joe Braun wrote on April 3, 2021
Jim was a great man. I enjoyed working with him. His good heart and sense of humor will be missed. My sincere condolences to his family.
Mary Stachowicz wrote on March 7, 2021
Maureen and family: I am sorry to read about Jim's passing. The last time I saw you and Jim was at the PAC a few years ago. I met Jim when I started doing business at A Sturm and sons. It was always enjoyable to talk with Jim-such a nice guy to work with and visit with after the business was taken care of. Later I was shopping over at Donald's and ran into him at Bergstroms. May all the wonderful memories, and your family and friends give you strength.
Kerry (Fehrman) Danley wrote on March 5, 2021
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Jim Sturm family during this time of grief. I was fortunate to work many years with Jim at A. Sturm and Sons. Remember how much of a talented and caring person he was and how blessed we were to have such a wonderful man in our lives.
Louis Kaye wrote on March 4, 2021
I was quite saddened today in learning of the loss of my long time friend. My condolences to you Maureen and your family. Please forward my thoughts to his children. Meeting Jim in the late 60’s was truly an experience. Something I never forgot. After graduation I would make trips to Manawa or as he called it Gods Country. What a different place than CA. Jim came to my wedding and we spent my wedding with Jim sitting at the end of our bed as we talked and talked. As the years passed in the early 2000’s we lost touch but he was never forgotten especially when he would send a nice Christmas gift of Wisconsin cheese. After losing contact, late last year during the virus situation I tried to search Jim on the internet with little success. Ironically within 30 days I received an email from Jim asking if he had contacted the right Louis Kaye. We had then reconnected and had a couple of long phone conversations bringing both of us current. What a loss to all close to him. It is hard to believe we met over 50 years ago and now he is gone. Again to all family members and close friends my thoughts are with you. May Jim Rest In Peace.
William Testin wrote on March 4, 2021
Jay, Sue, Mary and the Sturm family. So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a good friend and teammate during our high school years. Enjoyed our conversations when we would see each other when I would come back to Manawa. Great smile and stories. Jim and the Sturm family were always so kind to my mother. For that I am grateful. Rest In Peace, my friend. God Bless, Bill
Nancy Biedrzycki wrote on March 3, 2021
So sorry to hear of your loss. May God hold you and comfort you in this unbelievably hard time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Maureen. Dennis & Nancy
Ron and Janet Becket wrote on March 2, 2021
Dear Cousin, our deepest sympathies to You, Maureen, and your entiire family on the loss of a great Husband, Father, Grandfather, Cousin and more! GOD BLESS YOU!
Jennifer Stowe wrote on February 28, 2021
The world is less of a wonderful place without Jim. His kindness, generosity, and humor will be missed. I heard the trike today rev it’s engine and smiled. I loved hearing that sound from across the street. It meant Jim was out enjoying the day. Tears and Hugs to his family.
Terry & Shannon Mc Hugh wrote on February 28, 2021
I was fortunate enough to get to know Jim after making a sales call to discuss transportation services for A. Sturm and sons. We became friends over the years and always enjoyed our time together discussing family, sports and making an annual trip from Neenah to the Rodeo in Manawa with my Family. Jim and Maureen always exstended a warm welcome after the rodeo to come and share time at their home. He will be missed by many I’m sure. God has received a good man with a bunch of great stories share. Our condolences go out to the Sturm family.
Dan Mundt wrote on February 27, 2021
I grew up with Jim and we had a great childhood/life. Though we did not get together much in our later lives I always knew that he was my friend by the way we conversed when we did see each other. My and Karen's condolences go out to all the family. He was a lifetime friend of mine.
Barbara Wilson wrote on February 27, 2021
May God be your comfort and strength during this sad time.
Randall Bruns wrote on February 27, 2021
Sincerest condolences to the Sturm family for the loss of Jim.
He had a large impact of the Manawa area.
R.I.P. Jim !!
GLENN POOLE wrote on February 27, 2021
I rode many thousands of miles with Jim on our Harleys. We had many good times together. I hope that one day I will ride with Jim again between the stars and across the universe. I will always remember the time I got to spend with Jim. He is and always will be my friend.
Laurel Jawort Marchinowski wrote on February 27, 2021
My prayers go out to the family at the passing of this cousin. While I did not know Jim as well, my childhood memories of Jay, Sue and Mary and your parents are strong. My wishes that the memories of such a strong, caring person and all you did together in your lives give you strength each day.
Laurel Jawort Marchinowski