John Powell Sturm of St. James, Missouri was born in St. Louis, Missouri on June 28, 1938 to John T. and Frances (Powell) Sturm and passed away on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025 at the age of 87 years.
John transferred from public education after his sophomore year to Northwestern Military Academy, where he prepared for a military career.
He played basketball at both schools and was inducted into the Missouri S&T School Hall of Fame. He was also honored as “Player of the Century” at Northwestern Military Academy.
John was awarded a full scholarship to the University of Missouri and attended his freshman year there before transferring to the Missouri School of Mines (now Missouri S&T), earning a degree in aerospace engineering.
He served his country during the Berlin Crisis in the United States Army. Standing 6 feet 8 inches tall, John required special permission to enlist—he was initially told he was too tall and had flat feet. After receiving the necessary waivers, he went on to serve in the Army Corps of Engineers as a First Lieutenant. He was honorably discharged in 1969.
On September 28, 1974, he married Betty Addison.
John worked at McDonnell Douglas, which later became Boeing and retired at age 58.
John loved hunting, fishing, scuba diving and spending time near the ocean.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John T. and Frances Sturm; wife, Betty; son, David John Sturm; and sister, Jane Laycock.
He is survived by his partner in crime, Ruth Helton of the home; children, Stephen Sturm and wife Susan of Wentzville, Missouri, Karen Spengel and husband Tony of Panama City, Florida, Scot Manley of Panama City, Florida and Kimber Hildebrand of O’Fallon, Missouri; former spouse and mother of his children, Donna Manley of Panama City, Florida; grandchildren, Ryan (Ashley) Sturm, Bailey Edgar, Brandon (Rachel) Spengel, Cody Spengel, Dustyn (Allyssa) Spengel, Jordan Hilderbrand. Alyssa Hilderbrand and Cameron Manley; nine great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Private family services will be held at a later date.
Arrangements under the direction of the James & Gahr Mortuary in St. James, Missouri.
