Steven L. James (1955-2023)

Steven L. James, husband of Rev. Kimal James, passed away from cancer on October 24, 2023. His body has been donated to the University of Utah for medical research and training. Steve’s memorial service will be held at Ogden First United Methodist Church on Friday, November 3, at 10:00 a.m. Friends are invited to attend in person or through the church’s livestream at www.facebook.com/ogdenfumc.

Steve was born in Red Bluff, CA, in 1955, and was raised mostly in Roseburg, OR. Steve and Kim were married for 41 years, and he was her encouragement in ministry as she served United Methodist congregations in Denver, Golden, Greeley, Yuma, and Pueblo, Colorado, over 26 years before they moved to Ogden in 2013. In those various communities, Steve usually worked as a driver of some kind, delivering office furniture, school children, agricultural chemicals, and FedEx packages. Having a Master of Divinity degree of his own, Steve taught adult Sunday School classes in nearly every church, always bringing awe to the students with his detailed knowledge and in-depth study of scripture, theology, and early church and world history. Most of all, Steve inspired his wife with his keen mind, good humor, and Christian spirit. Together with Kim, Steve parented two adopted children, Angie and Oscar, from Colombia. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Ogden First United Methodist Church, 1339 W. 400 N., Marriott-Slaterville, UT 84404.