James S Strickland

James Steven Strickland, Sr., 87, passed away on March 24, 2026. Jim's kindness, common sense, strong work ethic, quick wit, great disposition, faith in God, pride in the United States, and love of family and friends will be remembered and will continue to inspire others.

Jim was born on November 21, 1938, in St. Petersburg, Florida, to Jay Strickland and Ruby Brown. After graduating from Boca Ciega High School, he joined the United States Army and served 4 years as a paratrooper. After his honorable discharge, he moved to Gary, Indiana, for work. He retired in 2013 after working 50 years as a manufacturer's representative for Uniroyal and Spradling.

Jim is survived by his wife of 62 years, Judy; his son, Jim, and daughter-in-law, Melyne; son, Michael; son, Brian; and grandchildren, James and Kathleen. He is also survived by his sister, Ann Nordvall, and two nieces: Leigh Ann Alley and Annette Nordvall.

Jim was an avid golfer, a fan of the Memphis Tigers and Florida Gators, a voracious reader of any book about World War II, and had countless friends.

The family will receive friends at Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119, on Sunday, March 29, from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM with a rosary at 6:00 PM. There will be a funeral mass at St. Louis Catholic Church on Monday, March 30, at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alpha Omega Veterans Services and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38119 (901) 767-8930.

"Where Memphis comes to remember, since 1924."