Joseph John James

Joe was born October 24, 1946 to parents John William James and Ruth Lucille Thompson. As the youngest of five, he was loved by his two sisters and tagged along with his two brothers. He enjoyed his childhood in Burbank, California. As a teen, he lived for sports. He played football, basketball, track and field and softball. 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. 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 retired at age 55.

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 their five children. He later found companionship with Pat Larsen Rhodes for ten years and then Sherry Ward. While each marriage came to an end, these relationships brought lessons and connections to his life.

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.

Services will be live-streamed and available the day of the services by scrolling to the bottom of Joe’s obituary page at: www.lindquistmortuary.com.

Condolences may be sent to www.lindquistmortuary.com.