James “Jay” Thomas Sterling, Jr. was born on May 2, 1963, in Crisfield, Maryland, to the late James Thomas Sterling, Sr. and the late Doris Anne Ward Sterling. He departed this life on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, in Aiken, South Carolina.
Jay was a faithful member of St. Paul A.M.E. Church for most of his life until he moved away. He enjoyed attending St. Paul whenever he came home, as recently as July 19th when he was home for his family’s 30th Family Reunion. Jay made sure he was in church and very active in the church his entire life. Jay had a personal relationship with God, and it showed in him always willing and ready to help others.
Jay was educated in the Somerset County Public School System. He graduated from Crisfield High School in 1981. Following graduation, he attended Bowie State University for one year. In 1982, he answered the call to serve his country and joined the United States Army, which ended in him being medically honorably discharged.
Throughout his life he held several different jobs. He worked for Channel 47 in Salisbury as a Master Control Operator. He developed a love for radio broadcasting just like his dad. He worked for multiple radio stations as a live disc jockey including WJDY, U.M.E.S., Bay Country 97.9, WAFL, and SUX. In 2017, Jay followed his brother, Steve, to get his CDLs, and he drove truck for 4 years.
After relocating to South Carolina, Jay once again followed in his father’s footsteps by working as a Night Auditor at a hotel, a position he faithfully held until his passing. Jay was a member of PTSD Village. He donated a lot of his time to this organization, filling in wherever and whenever he was needed. He had a genuine love for life and people. He treasured spending time with family and especially enjoyed his grandchildren. Serving and helping others brought him great joy and his caring spirit touched the lives of many.
He leaves cherished memories with his children, Kierra and Trevon Sterling; his grandchildren, London, Loghan, August, and Destin Sterling, and Layelle Ballard; his siblings, Stephen and Mia Sterling; three nieces, Latoya Douglas, SeVonne Mitchell (Jaren), and Stevona Sterling. He is also survived by four uncles, Bernard Ward, Sr. (Valerie), Austin “Rick” Ward (Angel), Delontae Ward (Deborah), and Michael Ward (Monica); a host of cousins, and several great nieces and great nephews, along with many other relatives, friends, and loved ones.
Jay was preceded in death by his parents, James Thomas Sterling, Sr. and Doris Anne Ward Sterling; a nephew, Baby Boy Sterling; four aunts, Gilda Spearman, Loetta Wilkins, Christine Lewis, and Darlene Ward; and three uncles, Walter B. Ward, Jr, Brewster Ward, and Eugene Wilkins.
His life will be remembered for his love for his family, his commitment to serving others, his years in broadcasting, and the joy he found in his children and grandchildren. Though his earthly journey has ended, the love, memories, life and bible lessons, and laughter he shared will continue to live in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
As he would say in his sign off from broadcasting: “Live as long as you love and love as long as you live.”
A MEMORIAL SERVICE WILL BE HELD 5:00PM FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2026 at SAINT PAUL A.M.E. CHURCH, 4TH ST. and BROADWAY, CRISFIELD, MD.
19 Responses
My deepest condolences to the family 🙏🙏
On behalf of The Zionaires of Princess Anne, MD and myself..I extend deepest condolences to the Sterling family. Jay, like his dad, worked with the Zionaires in the 90’s. May God bless you and keep you in His perfect peace.
Sincerely,
Allen “Jasper” Handy
Bowie, MD.
There are no words to express my sorrow for the loss of Jay.. Family I pray that God will grant you all His Strength and His Peace during this difficult time 🙏🏾❤️
Dear family, our hearts are broken as we mourn the loss of Jay. We will long treasure the memories shared through the years. A very special touch was added when Jay arrived for our family reunion. We will trust God to grant us peace and comfort as we go through this very heartbreaking loss.
George, Lloyd, and Samuel Ward
My deepest condolences to the Sterling family, I only knew JAY for a short time before the short time that I knew him it was impactful in my life. He was so kind and giving. The Lord decided it was time for him to call JAY’s name and bring him home. Will miss you, the ripple of your loss will be felt for a very long time. Antonio Smith And Lynne Smith-Cutting
Our beloved Jay. We love you and you will forever be in our hearts. Love Chad and Nicka Wilkins
Rest in peace brother Jay, may your memories be a blessing!
My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Jay. I’m so sorry for your loss. I can imagine how difficult losing him is. And all such a young milestone.
At first I didn’t realize who it was when it was shared a family member. And as I kept looking at the pictures, suddenly it occurred to me that it was . And that brought me to the time he was helping me with my late husband Lonnie – always conversing with us and ready to help. So it saddens me that he was called home to rest, having been such a an amazing assistant- not only to us but other in the neighborhood.
May God grant everyone peace and comfort as you reflect on a life that has been so dear & helped to others!!
RIP JAY✌🏽
🙏🏽💐🎉🌷
Dear Sterling Family,
We are deeply sorry for the loss of your brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. May God bring you comfort and peace.
“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” — Matthew 5:4
With sympathy,
Cheryl and Terry Killion
Newport News, VA
Our sincere condolences to the Sterling and Ward family. Earth has no sorrow that heaven can not heal.RIP
I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your brother . There are no words that can take away the pain of losing someone you love, but I pray that you and your family lean on God and allow Him to carry you through the days ahead.
May the Lord wrap His loving arms around you, give you strength when you feel weak, peace when your heart is heavy, and comfort in the moments when the loss feels unbearable. I pray that God surrounds your family with His presence and reminds you that your brother’s love and memories will forever live within your hearts.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” — Matthew 5:4
My sincere condolences and prayers to Mia and your family during the passing of your loved one. May God’s comfort and strength be with you all during this difficult time.
Brother Jay will be missed 😢. My condolences to the family and friends. We all love ❤️ Brother Jay.
Rest in peace Brother Jay! You always had a smile on your face and ready to do a good deed!
Sending condolences and love to the family. It was a shock to learn of the passing of my best friend’s son. Doris Ann and I graduated high school together and our oldest sons graduated high school together. Praying for you Steve and Mia and all the family.
Prayers and condolences to the family of Jay. A good guy. Bless him and may he rest in peace.
My heart is heavy, but its my confidence that heaven has gained an Angel♥️🙏
Condolences to the family of Jay. I worked in Somerset County at Woodson Middle School with Doris. We became good friends and knew how much she loved her children Jay, Steve and Mia.
My thoughts & prayers are with you at this difficult time. Gone way to soon RIP my friend. Class of ’81.