James Franklin Stoddard Jr.

James Franklin Stoddard Jr.

May 4, 1945 – November 8, 2025

James Franklin Stoddard Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on November 8, 2025, in Salmon, Idaho, at the age of 80.

Jim was born on May 4, 1945, in Hamilton, Montana, to James Franklin Stoddard Sr. and Jean Louise Erdman—the eldest of 10 siblings. He was raised in Salmon, Idaho, where he developed his lifelong love of people, hard work, and storytelling.

From 1964 to 1967, Jim faithfully served a two-and-a-half-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Southern Far East Mission. He was among the first 50 missionaries to serve in the Philippines, an experience that strengthened his testimony and love for the gospel.

On August 8, 1968, Jim married the love of his life, Margaret Jacob, in the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple. Together, they built a family centered on faith, love, and service. They were blessed with eleven children: James Franklin Stoddard III, John Paul Stoddard, Jared Alma Stoddard, Jefferson Hunt Stoddard, Julianne Keehan, Joseph Brigham Stoddard, Joshua Daniel Stoddard, Joy Lynne Harris, Janet Louise Christiansen, Jean Marie Courtright, and Judith Dawn Hovis. He was preceded in death by his eldest son, James F. Stoddard III, and grandson, Joseph Fielding Stoddard.

Jim worked as a truck owner-operator for 60 years, earning the respect and friendship of countless people along the way. He was known for remembering every person he met—their names, their stories, and their families. His warmth and kindness touched the lives of many.

A devoted disciple of Jesus Christ and true and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jim served in many church callings, including as a member of a bishopric, on the high council for 12 years, and as a teacher. Because of his missionary zeal, he was ordained a seventy in the Salmon Idaho Stake following his mission. He had a deep knowledge of the scriptures and led family scripture study faithfully for over 40 years. He had a strong testimony of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and a profound love for the Prophet Joseph Smith.

Jim’s legacy lives on in his wife, Margaret; their ten surviving children; 68 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren. His family and friends will remember his stories, laughter, faith, and love.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at the Presto Ward Chapel, 792 North 1090 East, Shelley, Idaho. A viewing will precede the service, beginning at 2:00 p.m. Jim will be laid to rest in the Salmon Cemetery in Salmon, Idaho on November 15 at 2:30 p.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalder Funeral Home in Shelley.

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