James Sturla Werkhoven's Obituary
James Sturla (Jim, Jimmy) Werkhoven, better known to his family as Papa Jim, was born in Memphis, Tennessee on February 20, 1923. He departed his earthly life peacefully on July 22, 2024, at age 101.
Jimmy’s educational journey led him to Immaculate Conception, formerly Catholic High School, and then to Christian Brothers High school, graduating in 1940 as the last class at the Adams Avenue facility. From there, for the next two years, he attended the new Christian Brothers College on Parkway, as we know it today. Next, it was on to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, prior to enlisting in the United States Naval Air Corps.
Upon entering the Naval Air Corps, he became an instrument and basic flight instructor, spending a great deal of his enlisted time in Pensacola, Florida, where he was honorably discharged in December 1945. One of the defining chapters of his life was his service and dedication to his country.
Jimmy had a varying career and was successful in everything he endeavored to do. Upon returning from service, he joined his mother in the family business, Rex Pool Room & Billiard Supply. From there, he became a manufacturer’s representative traveling in a 7-state territory. In 1956, he joined The Equitable Life Assurance Society, and in 1961, he earned the designation of Chartered Life Underwriter. He later earned the designation of Chartered Financial Consultant. Upon retirement from The Equitable, he formed his own company, Werkhoven & Associates, working into his late nineties. He was also a life member of the Million Dollar Round Table, as well as a founding member of the Memphis Estate Planning Council.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his mother, Grace Blaylock Turcott, as well as his wife, Anna Leita Lundy Werkhoven after 63 years of marriage, and a son, Andrew Lundy Werkhoven. He leaves precious memories with his current wife of 10 years, Margaret Bratcher Werkhoven and a son, Randal J Werkhoven (Beth). He also leaves seven grandchildren: Jennifer Werkhoven, Allison Smith, Zach Werkhoven, Sarah Werkhoven, Foster Cozart, Harrison Cozart and Gabrielle Liang, as well as five great grandchildren.
A man of faith, Jimmy was a longtime member of Second Presbyterian Church where he served as Elder Emeritus and was a current member of the Chapel Class. He loved his church family.
In honoring Jimmy’s memory, let us celebrate the life he lived and the love he shared with all who had the privilege of knowing him. Though he is no longer with us in body, his spirit and influence will forever live on in the hearts of those he left behind.
Jim’s family will gather at Memorial Park Funeral Home, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38119 to greet friends Friday, August 16, 2024, from 5:00 PM-7:00 PM. A “Celebration of Life” service is planned in the chapel at Second Presbyterian Church, 4055 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38111 on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 11:00 AM with parking in the west parking lot.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all the people at Senior Helpers, Inc., especially his dear caregivers Montresa Thomas, Patricia Morris, Tanza Killibrew, Thelma Wheeler & Antria Friston.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorials in Jim’s memory be made to Second Presbyterian Church, 4055 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38111, or his favorite charity, Church Health Center, 1350 Concourse Avenue, Suite 142, Memphis, Tennessee 38104.
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