James Cecil Sturdivant "C"
02/14/1939 - 05/03/2022
INTERMENT: According to C's wishes, his cremains will be spread in a body of water by the family privately at a later date.
James Cecil Sturdivant, affectionately called “C”, son of the late Kisiah Sturdivant Alexander and the late Mark H. “Buck” Alexander, was born February 14, 1939, in Palmer Springs, VA, and passed away in the family home on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, surrounded by family.
The oldest of 8 children, he was known for his quick wit and sense of humor. He always had a joke to tell with the uncanny ability to make you think and then rethink. His jokes were so witty, oftentimes, you wouldn’t catch on that you’d received the brunt of them until hours later. C was baptized at any early age and attended Mecklenburg County Public Schools. Growing up, one of his favorite pastimes was mingling at the “swimming hole” in Palmer Springs, VA. After graduating high school at the age of 17, he joined the United States Navy. He often recounted phenomenal stories of his experiences as the first African American to be integrated into his unit. He was also one of- if not the first black African American Air Traffic controller in the U.S. Navy. His military career took him to many parts of the world- Guam being of the most remarkable. His last duty station was in San Diego, California where he retired after over 20 years of service. He settled there, raised his family, and lived in sunny California for over 47 years. By unanimous vote, C was the “cool Grandpa”. He was a prolific writer and awesome storyteller. Even at 80 plus years old, C knew his way around the internet and anything “techy”. He often engaged with his family and friends on Facebook and other social media platforms- staying abreast of the latest news and trends. A wealth of knowledge, he could spark up an interesting and thought-provoking conversation with anyone while leaving a lasting impact with each encounter. C was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Lottie Sturdivant, and his son James “Jimmy” Sturdivant. He leaves to cherish his memory, his son Matthew (Renee) Sturdivant, his daughter Roslyn Allen, eight (8) grandchildren: Tarrelle Montague Ingram (Jose Gomez), Cornelia Faith Montague, Matthew “Torrell” Sturdivant, Jimmie (Cassidy) Montague III, Youlande Niome Sturdivant, Jamie Lee Sturdivant, Leroy Allen Jr., Isaiah Sturdivant; 12 great grandchildren; four (4) brothers, Robert L. “Bob” Alexander, Hunter J. (Linda) Alexander; Benjamin H. (Jacqueline) Alexander and Alvin U. (Charlotte) Alexander, three (3) sisters, Phyllis G. (Reginald) Denson; Betsy A. (Ronald) Young and Mary Alexander Terry; one sister-in-law, Edith Cole and one brother-in-law, Thomas (Betty) Smith Jr., a host of nieces, nephews, cousins; and friends.
Asking ALL attendees to please wear a face mask.