In Memorium James W. Sturm

James W. Sturm

James W. Sturm, husband and father, died on the morning of Aug. 24 at his home in Ramona.

His death resulted from complications associated with a pre-existing heart condition, though recently he had been in good health.

A service will be held at 5 p.m. on Sept. 2 at The First Congregational Church in Ramona, 404 8th St.

Jim was a man who made quick, yet lasting, impressions on the people he met with his sincere curiosity and engaging manner. He was known for long conversations driven by his desire to understand a concept, his interest in finding answers and his passion for learning all he could from those around him.

His search was for the truth.

Kat, his wife of 24 years, would often describe him as "the most talkative quiet man I've ever known."

In life, Jim worked to be a good father, a good husband and a good businessman.

Jim often said that his greatest accomplishment in life was his daughter, Sarah.

For him, home was wherever Kat was, and his favorite place was with her.

Through the couple's business, JK Landscape Inc., Jim said it was important that their names be attached to the work they did, which is indicative of the honesty with which he infused his life.

However, for Jim, fair-mindedness extended beyond business to the day-to-day interactions he had with the world and the people he met.

In business, he was able to connect with clients and put them at ease if the complexity of a project threatened to overwhelm them. Kat would at times reassure such clients by telling them that Jim was a "Type A" - meaning that they were in good hands, and that Jim would take care of the details and make their landscape beautiful.

Jim appreciated the beauty in many things: in food, music, his wife and daughter - the shadow a cloud cast on a mountainside. When he looked, he saw more than just a mountain range. Jim perceived beauty as a combination of the physical and the meaning beyond the literal.

He loved the sound of an engine that ran right because of what it took to make that true. And he got a kick out of the cool line of a retaining wall.

Through his enthusiasm for the work he did for 30 years, he had the ability to make anyone excited over the potential of blocks and pavers.

He will be missed.

Jim was born in San Diego on July 9, 1951, to Bob and Betty Sturm. He is survived by his wife, Kat; his daughter, Sarah; his younger sister, Sandra M. Waller; and his cousin, Jerilyn M. Harbour.

Throughout his life, Jim held in high regard both the ancient and contemporary works of Native Americans. The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center at 2401 12th St. NW, Albuquerque, N.M., 87104 or 1-800-766-4405.