Jack Arthur Sturgis, 73, of Vero Beach, passed away on May 11, 2016, at Indian River Medical Center, surrounded by his wife of 47 years, Carole Paige Sturgis, his daughter Ashley McInerney, son-in-law Jack McInerney, daughter Daria Smith, son Robert Sturgis and granddaughter Zoe Smith.
Sturgis had cancer and heart failure. It was his second bout with cancer, having been in remission for 28 years.
In addition to his wife, children and granddaughter, he is survived by his brother Charles (Gayle); sister Mary Lu Redish; granddaughter Siena Sturgis; aunt Suzie Kerr, and numerous nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and by his son-in-law Brian Smith.
Sturgis was born on May 4, 1943, in Elkhart, Ind., to Jack Dye Sturgis and Josephine Sears Sturgis. The family moved to Vero Beach in 1954 where his father started Sturgis Lumber. He graduated from Vero Beach High School in 1961. He was class President and first alternate to West Point.
Following graduation he entered the University of Florida and graduated with a B.S. degree in Industrial Engineering. He continued his education at the University of Florida and earned a Juris Doctorate in 1969. He was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity.
While at the University of Florida, he met his future wife Paige Brown, who was working on her Master’s Degree in counseling. They were married in November of 1969, and he entered the Army while Paige finished her degree. They moved to Fort Riley, Kan., where Sturgis got orders for Vietnam. He served in JAG and received a bronze star.
Returning from Vietnam, Sturgis was hired as an engineer for Florida Telephone Co. (now Sprint). He worked with Disney World as it was being developed. In 1972, he and his family moved to Vero Beach to assist his father in expanding Sturgis Lumber.
He planned to stay five years and stayed 43 years. During those 43 years in Vero Beach, he took over the business as President, working with his brother, Charles, who is the co-owner. The family purchased a timber farm in Ashland, Ala., and Sturgis Lmt. was formed with Jack and Charles as co-owners.
Sturgis’ community involvement included being Past President of Vero Beach Exchange Club, Past President of the 100 Club, Past President of the Treasure Coast Rock and Gem Society, and a member of the Southern Lumber Dealers Board of Directors.
During the last 25 years, he enjoyed being involved in the Ashland, Ala., community where he became acquainted with Bob Riley, former Alabama Governor, and formed a friendship with Kenneth Ingram, a member of the Alabama Supreme Court.
Sturgis formed strong bonds with members of the Ashland First Methodist Church where he enjoyed worshipping. He was happiest when he was on the Alabama farm where he could be seen on a tractor and meeting with the foresters who managed the timber farm. He wrote then President George W. Bush concerning environmental restraints on forestry owners. To his surprise, he received a reply, and some of these restraints were lifted.
He will be remembered a quiet, dependable man who never failed to do the right thing.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 26, 2016 at 3 p.m. at The Community Church. In the fall, a service will be held at the Ashland First Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or to The Music Dept. of Community Church.
The family is grateful to Dr. Michaela Scott and her staff, both past and present, for 29 years of compassionate care.
Arrangements are by Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach. A guest book is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com. A complete obituary and condolences may be made at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.
