James S. Sterling of Hayes, age 91, passed away on February 4, 2026. He was born on August 5, 1934 in Naxera, Gloucester County, Virginia, son of the late Robert Sterling and Margaret Shackelford Sterling. Jim graduated from Virginia Tech, then served in the United States Army. He settled in Gloucester and worked as a marine biologist at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, a profession that took him around the globe to research commercial fishing practices. In 1970, he joined the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries in Morehead City, N.C., serving as a marine biologist aboard the research vessel Dan Moore. Jim also owned his own businesses, including Oceanic Machine Works and a co-ownership of Gloucester Seafood Company. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed sharing his harvests with friends and neighbors. He loved hunting and fishing and spending time with his family. Jim is survived by his wife of 70 years, Jane K. Sterling; his daughter, Kim Sterling; his son, Stuart Sterling; daughter-in-law, Amanda Sterling; three grandchildren, Curk and his wife Ashley, Leah, and Hannah and her husband Knifton, and two great-grandchildren, Braelyn and Janey. The family received friends at Hogg Funeral Home on Monday, February 9, 2026, from 6-7:30 p.m. Funeral service conducted by the Rev. John Choi was held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Bethany United Methodist Church, followed by interment at Rosewell Memorial Gardens Cemetery. At Jim’s request, memorial contributions may be made to Bethany United Methodist Church, 1860 Hayes Road, Gloucester Point, Va. 23062.

Services under the direction of Hogg Funeral Home.