Joseph John James, BHS 1964
October 24, 1946 — May 25, 2025
Joseph John James passed away peacefully surrounded by his five children, whom he loved. After years of living with Parkinson’s, he left his broken body behind. He also left behind a legacy of love, adventure, and influence. “Once a teacher, always a teacher,” he influenced thousands of students and athletes with his genuine love for kids and passion for teaching.
If you are reading this, it’s likely he taught you something: how to swim, how to drive, how the body systems work, how to ride a motorcycle, how to take care of an engine, how to golf, how to wrestle, how to throw a football, how to wakeboard, waterski or snow ski, how to be brave, how to try something new, how to love genealogy, and most importantly—how to have fun.
Joe was born October 24,1946 to John William James and Ruth Lucille Thompson. As the youngest of five, he was loved and spoiled by his two sisters and tagged along everywhere with his two brothers. He enjoyed his childhood in Burbank, California, where he fondly remembers building a fort with his Dad and playing kick the can and other games.
His mother was an athlete and his greatest fan. She never missed any of his games and was well known by all the referees for her banter. His father was a Scoutmaster and many of Joe’s best memories and character traits came from his scouting experiences. When he was 11 years old, he hiked 50 miles to Mt. Wilson with his Dad and troop. He remembered hiking the High Sierras, Death Valley, and his favorite, Soledad Canyon. His dad was also the fire chief, which was ironic because Joe had a propensity to light things on fire! In fact, throughout his life he loved setting off fireworks and made long drives to Wyoming to purchase large fireworks in order to provide the epic “Joe Show” for family and friends.
He made the friends of a lifetime in his youth, a group that was nicknamed the “Mormon Mafia.” They had a reputation as athletes that didn’t drink or smoke. They attended church and played on the church sports teams, whose wins were “legendary.” As a teen, he lived for sports. He played football, basketball, track and field and softball. His senior year he was voted Most Valuable Player in football and Most Improved in basketball. His church team went to five all-Church basketball championships. He played football at Burbank High school as a tight end, then at Glendale Junior College and eventually for Brigham Young University. He graduated from BYU in Physical Education and spent some time as an assistant coach alongside one of his heroes, LaVell Edwards. His first teaching job was at Springville High School, as a science teacher and coach—the beginning of his lifelong passion. “Coach James” was born.
He taught Human Biology and Sports Medicine at Weber High for 22 years. He later became a principal for Fremont High. He was a football coach, a golf coach, and for many years, a wrestling coach. He taught swim lessons and Drivers’ Ed in the summer. He retired at age 55.
Some of Joe’s favorite people were his grandchildren. He loved inviting them over to swim, taking them for rides on the motorcycle, teaching them to kneeboard, playing frisbee golf, and playing his favorite game, “Grandpa’s Life.” He delighted in going to watch their games and coach from the sidelines. He was so proud of their accomplishments, whether they were in sports, academics, music, dance or theater.
Joe loved riding motorcycles. Some of our most cherished family memories are from annual Spring Break trips to Moab. He loaded up the motorhome and drove narrow roads near cliffsides to find the perfect campsite at Kane Creek. Another favorite was our family trips to Lake Powell and Bear Lake. If you rode in his boat, he was determined to get you out on the water and possibly send you flying off the tube. It wouldn’t have been a trip with him if you weren’t listening to Classic Rock. He loved music and loudly sang along, often wanting to play “Name That Tune.”
Joe was blessed with a full life, including several significant relationships. He shared 35 years with his first wife, Phoebe Jane Wilkins (Fournier), and together they raised five children, teaching them to love adventure and filling their lives with unforgettable memories. They enjoyed welcoming grandchildren into their lives. He later found companionship with Pat Larsen Rhodes for ten years. He loved golfing and traveling with her and hosting gatherings at the swimming pool. At age 72, he married Sherry Ward, a kind caregiver and friend. Although each marriage came to an end, each relationship brought lessons and connections to his life.
Joe had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ and the Restoration. He loved studying for lessons and listening to podcasts about the gospel. He was excited to talk about the Book of Mormon with others. In his later years, he served a senior mission at the Deseret Mill. From his mistakes, he learned the value of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and was deeply grateful for it. The gospel brought purpose and perspective to his life, especially in his challenges.
Joe is survived by his five children: Erin Madsen (Michael), Lindsay Johnson (Haakon), Ryan (Heidi), Taylor (Shannon) and Dustin James (Jyl) and 21 grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 2, at 2:00 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary at 1867 N. Fairfield Road, Layton, Utah. Friends may visit with family on Sunday, June 1, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and June 2, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the mortuary.
Interment, Lindquist’s Memorial Park at Layton.
Services will be live-streamed by the family at this link:
https://youtube.com/live/K6nOirb83uk?feature=share
