James Sterling Obituary

James S. Sterling, of Hayes, age 91, passed away on February 4, 2026. He was born August 5, 1934, in Naxera, Gloucester County, Virginia, son of the late Robert Sterling and Margaret Shackelford Sterling. Jim graduated from Virginia Tech, then served in the United States Army. He settled in Gloucester and worked as a marine biologist at the Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences, a profession that took him around the globe to research commercial fishing practices. In 1970, he joined the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries in Morehead City, NC, serving as a marine biologist aboard the research vessel Dan Moore. Jim also owned his own businesses, including Oceanic Machine Works and a co-ownership of Gloucester Seafood Company. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed sharing his harvests with friends and neighbors. He loved hunting and fishing and spending time with his family. Jim is survived by his wife of 70 years, Jane K. Sterling; his daughter, Kim Sterling; his son, Stuart Sterling; daughter-in-law, Amanda Sterling; three grandchildren, Curk and his wife, Ashley, Leah, and Hannah and her husband, Knifton; and two great-grandchildren, Braelyn and Janey. The family will receive friends at Hogg Funeral Home on Monday, February 9, 2026, from 6:00 pm until 7:30 pm. Funeral service officiated by Reverend John Choi will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Bethany United Methodist Church, followed by interment at Rosewell Memorial Gardens Cemetery. At Jim's request, memorial contributions may be made to Bethany United Methodist Church, 1860 Hayes Road, Gloucester Point, VA 23062. Services under the direction of Hogg Funeral Home.