James Alan Stubbs

James Alan Stubbs

May 3, 1948 – December 22, 2025

James Alan Stubbs, known to many as Jim, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025, surrounded by love. His life was defined by service, entrepreneurship, devotion to family, and a deeply kind and generous spirit.

Jim was born on May 3, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan, and raised by his devoted single mother, Dorothy Mildred (Toby) Stubbs, alongside his three brothers, Geoff, Greg and Mark. The close bonds formed in his early years remained important to him throughout his life.

A proud patriot, Jim joined the United States Marine Corps and served during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Constellation as a seagoing Marine. He carried his identity as a Marine and veteran with lifelong pride, grateful for the opportunity to serve his country and stand beside his fellow servicemen.

On July 15, 1970, Jim married the love of his life, Sharon “Sherry” Stubbs in Brentwood, California. Together, they shared 55 years of marriage rooted in love, laughter, joy, patience, partnership, and commitment to family. Jim was a true entrepreneur whose career spanned the food service and office supply industries. He patented his own invention, the Stubbsaver, and opened several businesses over the years. His first venture, Christmas Anytime on Santa Claus Lane, reflected his creativity and drive. He later purchased Santa Barbara Stationers and, in partnership with his brother and extended family, expanded the business into Office World, a successful chain of office supply and furniture stores across the West Coast. The family-owned enterprise thrived for many years before national chains reshaped the industry.

Never one to slow down, Jim continued working well into his seventies, lending his expertise to food service companies. His career in food service included S. E. Rykoff & Co., CKE and Jordano’s. His strong work ethic, sense of responsibility, and willingness to help others remained constant throughout his life.

Outside of work, Jim found joy on the water. He loved fishing, boating, and spending time by the sea. A natural handyman, he was always quick to fix whatever was broken and happy to help wherever he was needed. Known for his warm sense of humor, Jim had a gentle way of making people laugh and feel at ease.

Family was always Jim’s greatest priority. He and Sherry raised three daughters, Jill, Beth, and Jamie, who were the center of his life. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family and remained deeply devoted to Sherry throughout their life together. Jim endured profound loss with quiet strength after the passing of his daughter Beth in 2017.

After many years in Santa Barbara, Jim and Sherry relocated to St. George, Utah, where they built a new home and found joy in their community. Jim was a proud and loving grandfather to Tyler and Kenzie, children of his daughter Jamie and her husband, Chad. His daughter Jill, an international school principal living and working in Israel, visited often and was with Jim and Sherry on his final day, a meaningful gift of presence and love.

Jim was a cowboy at heart. When we wasn’t wearing a Veteran’s hat, he could be seen in his cowboy hat. He found real joy in riding horses in his younger years. The wide-open spaces and rugged beauty of Utah suited him perfectly and felt like home to his cowboy spirit.

He’d sometimes order dessert before the main course, a small but unforgettable habit that showed his sense of humor, his optimism, and his reminder to savor the sweet moments while you can.

Jim will be remembered as a proud Marine, a dedicated businessman, a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend. He was a guided by loyalty, perseverance, kindness, and generosity. He was known as an exceptional cook and a master of the barbecue, someone who showed his love through a thoughtfully prepared meal and made every gathering feel special.

His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the work he built, and the values he passed down. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Jim wished to be cremated, with his ashes scattered on Pine Mountain. Arrangements were entrusted to Hughes Mortuary, 1037 East 700 South, St. George, Utah (435) 674-5000. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Semper Fi & America’s Fund.