James O Sturgell, 94 died Wednesday, July 8 ^th with family members at his side.

Jim was born in Ashland, Kentucky and graduated from Ashland High School before joining the United States Marine Corps in 1943 during World War II.  He was proud to be a Marine and fought in the battle of Iwo Jima.  After returning, he married the love of his life, Betty Jo Thomas in 1946.  He lost his Betty Jo to her battle with cancer in 1997.

While in Kentucky, Jim worked at Armco Steel Corp for 13 years as a blacksmith.  After moving to Florida in 1959, he worked at the Cocoa Beach Post Office for 30 years.  If you walked into the post office, his was the first face that you saw.  He loved working with the people of Cocoa Beach.  Jim was an avid gardener.  He grew the best tomatoes in the world!  He was also very active in his church for more than 50 years.

He is survived by four children Brenda Vanover, of Winter Garden , Linda (Keith) Oller, of Satellite Beach, Patricia (Scott) McLean, of Burnsville, NC and James F. Sturgell, Satellite Beach.  He is also survived by five granddaughters and 15 great grandchildren.

At our father's request, there will be no memorial service.  He will be interred at Florida Memorial Gardens between his beloved wife and mother.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to his long time church, First Church of Christ Scientist, 600 E. Melbourne Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32901.