T. J. Sturgeon

Thomas Jeffery “T.J.” Sturgeon, 64 of Seymour, passed away Thursday, May 19, 2022 in Seymour.

Services will be held on Monday, May 23, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church with Donnie Fitts officiating.  Burial will be in the Catholic Cemetery under the direction of Archer Funeral Home.

T.J. was born on July 23, 1957 in Seymour to James and Janelle Thorn Sturgeon.  He was a 1976 graduate of Seymour High School and attended Texas State Technological Institute.  T.J. worked hard all his life.  While in high school he worked at the MSystem and for Bobby Loudermilk.  He married Tricia Smajstrla on September 22, 1979 in Seymour.  He had been the owner and operator of T.J.’s Stockman Store since 1980 and was a fine leather craftsman.  He was a former member of the Seymour Jr. Livestock Association and the longest running member, having served for 38 years, of the Seymour Rodeo Association.

T.J. Never met a stranger and was always willing to help others.  His passions were family, fishing and friends.  You were always welcome at his house or at the store.  His creative side was always working; be it leather, wood or metal and his attention to detail and perfectionism could be seen in every project he took on.

His day started at the store, drinking his morning coffee with his “advisory board”, solving world problems and shooting the bull.  The store became the hide out for many who will now have to do “honey-dos” or find another hiding spot!

He volunteered his time and gave a lot to his community.  He spent countless hours making sure the Rodeo was a success, year after year.  He helped build the rodeo grounds.  T.J.’s gruff exterior hid his big heart.

His excitement at becoming a grandpa only became greater with each grandchild.  He was at a loss for words when he found out about #1.  Seven months later he was once again speechless to find out #2 was on the way.  He was ecstatic to find out he would be blessed with a third.  T.J. loved doing things for his grandkids and could and would fix anything they needed.

He was a devoted to family functions and will be irreplaceable at Sturgeon and Smajstrla Reunions.  T.J. was loved by many and will be missed by all.

He is survived by his wife, Tricia Sturgeon of Seymour; a son, Shad and Ericka Sturgeon of Seymour; his mother, Janelle Sturgeon of Seymour 2 sisters, Cynthia White of Wichita Falls and Mitzi Torrez of Seymour; his 3 beloved grandchildren, Brecken, Bristol and Braxton and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m., Sunday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Seymour Rodeo Association, the Seymour Cemetery Association or a charity of your choice.