James E. Stratton

Jim E. Stratton, 81, of Washington, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 surrounded by his family at Mercy Hospital – Washington.
James Everett Stratton was born on March 30, 1944, in Saint Louis, Missouri, to the late Homer E. Stratton and Margie (Boswell) Stratton. Jim attended school in Saint Louis and became a proud graduate of McKinley High School's class of 1962.
After high school, Jim briefly worked for a delivery company, before embarking on a 30-year tenure with Yellow Freight that defined his professional life. Jim's commitment to his work was unwavering, and his colleagues respected him for his reliability and friendly demeanor.
In his early life, Jim was blessed with two children, Todd and Terry. In a beautiful twist of fate, Jim would later be united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Sharon Phillips. Together they blended their families in a seamless union. Jim embraced Sharon's children as his own, embodying the role of a devoted stepfather with grace, honor, and love.
Travel was one of Jim's greatest pleasures. Together, Jim and Sharon cherished trips to Pensacola Beach. Their adventurous spirit also took them on cruises to South Padre Island, the Cayman Islands, and throughout the Caribbean. Each journey was an opportunity to create memories that would last a lifetime.
Jim was an avid sportsman, enjoying golf, softball, and bowling. His love for dancing was equally evident, especially when he and Sharon hit the dance floor to the tunes of American Bandstand, their favorite.
Above all, Jim adored his grandchildren. His kind, caring, and compassionate nature made him a pillar of strength and support within his family. His great sense of humor was a gift that he shared generously, ensuring that laughter was a constant presence in the lives of those he loved.
Jim is survived by his wife, Sharon Stratton of Washington, Missouri; four children: Tim Turner of Eureka, Missouri, Tammy Zuzack and husband Mike of Bourbon, Missouri, Terry Hewett and husband Scott of Barnhart, Missouri and Todd Stratton and wife Kristi of Imperial, Missouri; three grandchildren: Kathryn Zuzack, Mike Zuzack Jr. and Allison Hewett; a sister-in-law, Helen Stratton; other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Homer Stratton; his mother, Margie Barrera; and three siblings, Shirley Winslow and husband Philip, Laverne Masters and husband Ralph and Charlie Stratton.
Visitation will be 1 - 3 PM, Thursday, June 12, 2025 at the Eaton Funeral Home, prior to the funeral service.
Funeral Services will be 3 PM, Thursday, June 12, 2025 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, with pastor John Blackmore officiating.
Friends may send their online condolences to Jim's family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com
In Lieu of flowers donations may be made: In Memory of Jim Stratton to the Alzheimer's Associations (St. Louis Office) 111433 Olde Cabin Rd. Suite 100 Creve Coeur, MO 63141
All arrangements are under the care and direction of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James E. Stratton, please visit our floral store.