Obituary: James Sumpter

James Sumpter, 92, of Kettering, Ohio, and Longboat Key, died July 30.

Born May 4, 1917, in Homestead, Pa., Mr. Sumpter graduated from Munhall High School, in Munhill, Pa., and, in 1939, the Pennsylvania State University, where he was a member of the Glee Club, University Chapel Choir and Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity.

Mr. Sumpter served during World War II, commanding the First Battalion, 261st Infantry, 65th Division. Decorations he earned included the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star for Valor, Purple Heart, USSR Medal for Valor, First Class, Combat Infantryman Badge, European/African/Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars and the World War II Victory Medal. He was named as the outstanding battalion commander in combat as a result of the Legion of Merit award.

Mr. Sumpter retired as a safety engineer from U.S. Steel Corp.

He was a member of the Church of the Redeemer, in Sarasota, the Rotary Club, the Longboat Key Golf Club and Bird Key Yacht Club. He was a resident of Seaplace for more than 30 years.

Mr. Sumpter was preceded in death by his first wife of 42 years, Elizabeth. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Mary Etta Sumpter; son, James Robert, of Texas; daughters, Beverly Drury, of Washington, and Sharon Fegley, of Kentucky; 10 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at Jefferson Memorial Chapel and Cemetery, in Pittsburgh, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, Ohio, 45420. Condolences and remembrances can be sent to the family at www.routsong.com.