James W. Stickler

James W. Stickler, 84, of Murray, KY, passed away after a long battle with dementia on Thursday, March 26, at the Anna Mae Owens Hospice House, holding the hands of his children. Born in Elmyra, New York, on May 10, 1941, he was preceded in death by his parents Lester George and Emma Stickler, his sisters Ellen Beard and Lora Mae Cobb, and oldest brother George Stickler.

He is survived by his children, Leigh Moscowitz of Lexington, KY; Erica (Chip) Gray of Murray, KY; and John (Stephanie) Stickler of Fishers, IN. His six grandchildren, Amelia and Ein Moscowitz of Lexington, KY; Claire and Laurel Gray of Murray, KY; and Isabella and Jacob Stickler of Fishers, IN; also survive. Also surviving are brothers Donald Stickler of Bath, NY, and Carl Stickler of Blossburg, PA, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

After graduating high school in 1959, Jim worked for two years in the Corning Glass factory to save money for college. The first of his family to attend college, Jim graduated from Kutztown University in 1964 with a degree in Art. He began working in art education outreach, creating the first Artmobile that took borrowed pieces from New York art galleries and traveled to regional schools to reach a wide number of students who would otherwise not have had the opportunity to see artwork. He continued his graduate education at Penn State University, where he completed doctoral coursework in Art Education. In 1975, he moved to Murray, where he accepted a position in the Art Department at MSU. He also oversaw the arts education program, where he supervised aspiring art educators. In 1981, he was elected president of the Kentucky Art Educators Association, where he spearheaded a successful campaign to restore art education funding to Kentucky's public schools. In 1984, he returned to K-12 public education in Indiana, where he finished his career at Ben Davis Junior High School in Indianapolis. He helped develop hundreds of talented artists, showcasing their work in a multitude of juried shows. Always an advocate for public education, he instilled the love for learning in his children and supported them as they earned their own degrees.

In 2002, he retired to French Lick, Indiana, where he restored two 1920s Arts and Crafts bungalows and worked tirelessly to have his entire neighborhood designated a historic landmark. He created the Beaux Arts Festival in French Lick, which for many years highlighted the area's numerous artists. A Master Gardener, he turned empty lots into lush gardens and was always eager to host a garden tour for friends and neighbors.

In 2016, Jim returned to Murray, where he enjoyed his retirement and was involved in the Murray Art Guild and First Christian Church. A talented watercolorist, he showed work in several MAG exhibits. He kept busy by remodeling his house in the Mid-Century Modern style and creating another beautiful garden space. One of his favorite activities was walking his faithful four-legged companion Ramona around the MSU Arboretum. Jim was able to live independently in Erica's home with the help of special caretakers: Nidea, Adam, Krystal, and Sherri, to whom the family is eternally grateful.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the First Christian Church, Rev. Chris Owens will officiate. Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m., Monday, March 30, 2026, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Visitation will also be held from 10-11 a.m., Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the First Christian Church in Murray, Kentucky.

Expressions of sympathy may be expressed through donations to the Anna Mae Owens Hospice House, the Murray Art Guild, First Christian Church of Murray, or the Senior Center Meals on Wheels Program.

Online condolences can be made at www.jhchurchill.com

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.