Jay Lee Sturgis Jr., 63, of Statesville, N.C., son of Jay Lee Sturgis Sr. and Arilla Mathis Sturgis, was born on February 3, 1963, in Iredell County. He departed this life on March 30, 2026.

Jay joined Knox Grove Baptist Church at an early age and found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved fishing and was a passionate sports fan, cheering on the Tar Heels and the Dallas Cowboys. Known for his quiet strength and kind heart, Jay valued time spent with his loved ones above all else. He was married to Jeanette Sturgis, who survives. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Annie Mathis, and his mother-in-law, Barbara Guest.

In addition to his wife, Jeanette Sturgis, his father Jay Lee Sturgis Sr., and mother Arilla Mathis (Larry) Sturgis, Jay leaves to cherish the memory of his life his step-daughters, Denisha Harris and Lavendar Phelps, both of Statesville; a brother, David Mathis of Statesville; his sisters, Clara Sturgis, Kimberly Wasson, Tracey Wasson, Candance Wasson, Marquita Connor, Jamarria Connor, Brandy Connor, Keneea Bennett, and Tega Turner, all of Statesville; aunts, Patricia Hyde, Joyce Alexander and Sandra Graham, all of Statesville; uncles, Oscar Sturgis and Charles Sturgis; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, including two special cousins, Pam Mathis and Gondora King; and other relatives and friends other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Annie Mathis, and his mother-in-law, Barbara Guest.

A service to celebrate Jay’s life will be held at Knox Grove Baptist Church on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 1 p.m. with Rev. Russell Sturgis officiating. Burial will follow in the Knox Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, from 12:30 to 1 p.m. at the church, but will assemble at the residence of his mother, 336 Brookfield Drive, Statesville, N.C., at other times.

Visit the Book of Memories for Mr. Sturgis at www.rutledgeandbigham.com.

Rutledge & Bigham Mortuary is serving the Sturgis family.