Jim Stearns – Veteran, Beloved Teacher, Volunteer And, So Much More, Leaves A Lasting Imprint On The Community

Jim was born in Framingham, Massachusetts to Gilbert and Doris (nee: Gwynn) Stearns.  He grew up in Vermont. He served his nation in the U.S. Air Force and the Minnesota Air National Guard.  He is a graduate of Winona State College, Winona, Minnesota.  In Minneapolis, Minnesota, his teaching career began, which led him to Minneola Elementary School, Minneola, Florida where he was a beloved P.E. teacher for 29 years.  After teaching during the day, he worked at Walt Disney World as a member of the Watercraft team for 35 years.

An avid sports fan, he taught swimming, coached Little League Baseball, Girls’ Softball and refereed Basketball.  He was an assistant Boy Scout leader and worked at Camp La-No-Che several summers.

As a member of the Presbyterian Church, he served in many capacities, including being an ordained elder. For many years he sang in the choir.  He coached Upward Basketball, taught Sunday School, and helped with the Lego Camp.  He was a member of the Forum Sunday School Class and the Men’s Prayer Breakfast.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann, four children Nancy Stearns Bullen, (Randolph), James Gilbert (Renee) Stearns, Frank Joseph (Sharon) Stearns and Sarah Stearns Cerilli (David Sr), 16 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, and a brother John MacLennan Stearns.  He leaves many nephews, nieces, and cousins, along with a host of friends.  

He will be greatly missed.

He is predeceased by his parents, Gilbert and Doris Stearns, brother Robert Archer Stearns, and brother Gilbert Sanford Stearns.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial to the Youth Ministry at Oakland Presbyterian Church has been suggested.