James Paul Stockdale

James Paul Stockdale

OGDEN a€" James Paul Stockdale passed away at his home on Tuesday, July 14, 2009, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was an inspiration of optimism to everyone around him. Even in his most trying hours, he focused his attention on the needs and interests of others.

Paul was born January 28, 1957 in Ogden, Utah, the yougest child of William R. and Barbara Jensen Stockdale. He attended Ogden High School, graduated Weber State University, and received his Juris Doctorate from the University of North Dakota, School of Law in 1982. He restored the Scowcroft Mansion on 24th and Monroe, making it a beautiful landmark in Ogden City, where he practiced law.

His gift for getting friends and family together was legendary; with his culinary talents, dramatic story telling, and sense of humor, he was always the life of the party. He had a profound love and understanding of the Constitution and a reverence for our Founding Fathers. His passions included biking, scuba diving, fishing, hunting, (where he convinced many to join him), architecture, boating (where he taught many to ski), writing, closet pianist, etc. However, his greatest passion in life was being a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

Paul was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with an unwavering testimony of our Savior and the truthfulness of the gospel. This he eagerly shared by both example and precept. He held numerous callings, a favorite being Gospel Doctrine teacher, and he was currently serving in the Bishopric. He loved people and considered it a great privilege to share with them the beliefs that had blessed and enriched his life.

He is survived by his eternal companion and love of his life, Stephanie Clements Stockdale, Ogden; two daughters from a previous marriage, Jennifer and Rachel Stockdale, Grand Junction, CO; three stepchildren, Natalia, Cortney, and Jacob Johnson, Ogden; and three grandchildren, Hayley, Carter, and Olivia Stockdale, Grand Junction, CO.

Also surviving are three sisters, Virginia (Brent a€"deceased), Teeples, Chandler, AZ; Ann (Paul) Checketts, Fruit Heights; Barbara Sue (Gary) McDonald, Las Vegas, NV; one brother, Robert (Jana) Stockdale, Billings, MT; sister-in-law, Elaine Stockdale, North Ogden; and numerous nieces and nephews who love and admire him.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Bill Stockdale, and a brother-in-law.

The family would like to thank their friends and neighbors for their love and support and also give special thanks to good friend and devoted doctor, Seth Lewis, for his selfless service.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Ogden East Stake Center, 1314 a€" 27th Street.

Friends may call at Lindquist''s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd., on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday at the Stake Center 9:30 to 10:45 a.m.

Interment, Logan City Cemetery.

Send condolences to the family at: www.lindquistmortuary.com