James E. Sturgeon, 72, Rockford, died 7:30 a.m. Oct. 22, 2010, at his residence.

He was born June 21, 1938, in Howard County, Ind., to William E. and Thelma R. (Wilson) Sturgeon, who preceded him in death.

On May 31, 1959, he married S. Joann Burgan, who survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Deborah (Jerry) Holmes, Adrian, Mich., and Janette (Mark) Buzzard, Huntington, Ind., a son, Joe (Ronda) Sturgeon, Haughton, La., 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert and Paul Sturgeon, and a sister, Nina Townsend.

He retired in September 2003 as a pastor with United Brethren in Christ Church. He pastored at New Hope United Brethren in Huntington, Park United Brethren in Bluffton, Calvary United Brethren in Rockford, and the Decatur Church of the United Brethren in Christ. He was a 1956 graduate of Western High School in Howard County and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1974 and Masters of Christian Ministry in 1975 from Huntington University. He was member of Praise Point United Brethren Church in Willshire

Services are 2 p.m. Monday at Praise Point United Brethren, Willshire, Pastor Wes Kuntzman officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Rockford.

Calling is 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 3-8 p.m. Sunday at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, Ind., and one hour prior to the service Monday at the church.

Memorials may be directed to State of the Heart Hospice in Coldwater, or Camp Cotubic Youth Camp & Retreat Center in Bellefontaine.