James Edward Sterling

James E. Sterling, 91, of Fredericksburg, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020 at his home after a period of declining health.

Jim was born Dec. 5, 1929 in Fredericksburg to the late Virgil O. and Corrine (Uhl) Sterling and was a 1947 graduate of Fredericksburg High School.  He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1950 – 1952 having been station in Japan.  On Dec. 19, 1970, he married the former Mabel Hostetler and she survives.  Jim was a lifetime farmer and had also worked at the OARDC in Wooster where he retired from in 2008 with over 25 years of service.  He had served on the Fredericksburg Fire Department having been the Fire Chief for several years and was a member of the Fredericksburg Presbyterian Church. Jim sang Tenor with the College of Wooster, having sung the Messiah and had been in a Barbershop Quartet.  He enjoyed woodworking and mowing the yard, which he was still doing at the end of October, and was a collector of many things.

Surviving are his wife, Mabel; his children and their spouses, Joe and Kelli Sterling of Canton and Emily and Richard Frazier of Fredericksburg and his 6 grandchildren, Carter and Jack Sterling, Trent and his wife Abby Frazier and Tru, Trevyn and Trace Frazier.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Opal Sterling.

Friends may call Saturday, Jan. 2nd from 1-3 p.m. at Murray Funeral Home in Fredericksburg.  The family will hold a private graveside services at Fredericksburg East Cemetery with Pastor Richard Frazier officiating.  Tributes may be shared at www.Murray-Funeral-Home.com  Memorial contributions may be made to the Wooster Hope Center, PO Box 1204, Wooster, OH 44691.