Obituary WASHINGTON- James R. "Jim" Sturges, 67, of rural Washington, Il, died at 10:35 am Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at his residence, after a two year battle with prostate cancer. Jim was born September 17, 1943 in Peoria, Il, the son of James and Velma (Anderson) Sturges, who preceded him in death. Jim was raised in Peoria's south end, attending Tyng Grade School, Trewyn Junior High and Manual High School. He graduated with honors from Bradley University in 1965 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He later obtained a degree in Electrical Engineering and in 1968 became a Registered Professional Engineer. On March 26, 1966 Jim married Lucretia Ann Hengstberger in Peoria. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Lucretia and his brother-in-law, Charles Hengstberger of Savanna, Il. Jim began his career in engineering in 1965 at Caterpillar Tractor Company Proving Ground, later becoming Assistant Chief Engineer at the East Peoria plant. He later served as Vice President of Engineering at Hansvedt Industries in Champaign and W.A. Witney in Rockford. More recently, Jim worked in computer technology at State Farm Insurance Companies in Bloomington and RLI in Peoria. Always an innovator and problem solver, Jim held 12 patents. Jim had a lifelong love of aviation and obtained his pilot's license in 1968. He built and flew his Spezio "Tuholer" for twenty years. He recently completed a replica of a J-3 Cub, the plane he flew solo 43 years ago. This past year, Jim became a member of the Washington RC Flyers Club and enjoyed the fellowship and activities of the group. He was a past member of the Experimental Aircraft Association and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. For Jim, a pleasant day in the Washington community was stopping by to talk with his friends at Kimpling Ace Hardware and Tractor Supply Company. Jim will be remembered for a lifetime of hard work and a creative, intelligent mind. A visitation will be held Monday April 11, 2011 from 4-6 pm at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington, with a memorial service to follow at 6 pm. Cremation rites have been accorded.