Obituary of Richard James Sterling

Jim passed away at home in London, ON August 25, 2024 with his beloved wife of 69 yrs, Maxine, and family by his side. He was 92. Jim overcame many health-related obstacles in his last years in order to “be there for mom”. He was an extraordinary man. Jim is survived by Maxine, his children Scott (Marie), Janet (Kent) and Ron (Jayne), 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by 2 sisters, a sister-in-law, and a large extended family. Although Jim was born and raised in Chatham his most cherished childhood memories were of times spent with Aunt Audrey and Uncle Bill on their farm in Highgate. He attended CCI, and completed post-secondary studies at RMC and Ryerson before marrying Maxine and beginning a working career at International Harvester (Navistar) in Chatham and Can-Car in Thunder Bay. Jim had a life-long interest in flying which debuted in 1938 when he had his first flight in a Tiger Moth at the young age of 6. He obtained his private pilot’s licence in 1952 (in a Harvard) and had a decades-long connection with the Air Cadets organization. He was a member and first president of the Chatham Aeronauts in the 1950s and 60s. He built and flew control line and free flight model airplanes and held the Canadian speed record for control line planes with his ramjet. Later, he enjoyed building and flying radio-controlled planes. Jim never met a building or renovation project he wouldn’t undertake. Indeed, he renovated every house he and Maxine lived in. Jim and Maxine travelled to Florida for holidays, then entire winters, for 40+ years. He was very fond of the warmth, the restaurants, the sights and the shopping! He played cards and joined bowling teams, and frequently took on renovation projects for the many good friends they made over their “Florida” years. Following his wishes, cremation has taken place and no service is scheduled. A celebration of life will take place at a later date for immediate family and close friends. The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff of Richmond Woods Retirement Residence and to St Elizabeth Healthcare (Carrie, Fahima and Vinish in particular) for their compassionate care and assistance. Memorial donations to Hospice Chatham would be appreciated. (chathamkenthospicefoundation.com), 34 Wellington St. East, Chatham, ON N7M 3N7 Online condolences may be shared with the family on Jim’s Tribute Wall by visiting www.mpcemetery.ca