Jerry Lee Sturm

HALIFAX- Jerry Lee Sturm, 77, peacefully departed this life at his home on June 23, 2025. Born the eldest son of the late Charles A. Sturm Jr. and June V. Sturm (née Stahl), Jerry was a devoted member of Pleasant View Seventh-Day Adventist Church, where his faith and generosity touched many.

A 1968 graduate of Halifax Area High School, Jerry answered his country's call by enlisting in the U.S. Navy. After a motorcycle accident necessitated an honorable medical discharge, he then stayed home determined to build a life of service and craftsmanship. Following in his father's footsteps, he began his career as an electrician with I.B.E.W. Local 143 but soon discovered his true passion for painting under the guidance of his uncle, Harold Williams. Encouraged to strike out on his own, he founded Jerry Sturm's Painting and Siding, completing high-end projects for several West Shore developers. As retirement beckoned, he served the Commonwealth as a state security guard before committing himself to trucking-hauling wide loads with the same steadfast work ethic that defined his life.

His deep love for the Lord led him to spend months in Nicaragua building schools for his church family, to mow the lawn at Pleasant View near Elizabethville, and to quietly underwrite tuition for those in need. He amassed a remarkable collection of belongings-so extensive that more of his treasures found homes with family and friends than under his own roof. For several years, he lived with his parents and lent his expertise to his brothers as they built an addition onto their parent's home. Jerry's heart was as expansive as his career. An avid student of automobiles, he delighted in advising friends on the merits of every model. He cherished spontaneous visits-dropping by for lunch or dinner at friends' and relatives' homes-and those unannounced moments brought as much joy to him as they did to those he surprised. He also delighted in evenings spent piecing together puzzles with his family or friends.

Jerry is survived by his ex-wife and love of his life, Gail Smith; brothers Neil D. Sturm (Nancy) and Darold E. Sturm (Anne), all of Halifax; sisters Sandra K. Kittle of Carlisle, Paulette M. Smith (Evan) of Millersburg; and Brenda V. Reigle (Jerry) of Halifax; as well as many dear cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Darlene I. Sturm.

A celebration of Jerry's life will be held at Pleasant View Seventh-Day Adventist Church on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., followed by light refreshments in the church hall. David Weigley, retired Columbia Union President of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be made to Pleasant View Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 2981 Armstrong Valley Rd Halifax, PA 17032.

Arrangements are being cared for by the staff of Minnich Funeral. We are honored to serve this family at our Hoover-Boyer Funeral Home, Ltd., Elizabethville location at 103 W Main St, Elizabethville, PA 17023. To sign the guestbook go to www.minnichfuneral.com.