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BORN
1923
DIED
2014
James Bodell Obituary
James Huggard Bodell, 90, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2014 culminating a life of enduring faith, hard work, fatherly joy, and Christlike service.
Jim was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on September 3, 1923, to William J. Bodell and Lydia Fern Chipman. After his father's passing five years later, he was raised by his mother and four older brothers Lyman, Marty, Floyd, and Blaine. He married his Granite High School sweetheart, Maydene Brown in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on January 26, 1944, while on leave from training with the U.S. Army Air Corps prior to his service as a rear gunner on A-20 and A-26 bombers in the South Pacific during WWII.
Soon after he returned home from the war, Jim began working for Paulsen Construction while he and Maydene began a family that ultimately would include eight children. In 1972, he and his two eldest sons founded Bodell Construction Company, for which all four of his sons eventually worked. He spent the next 20 years working throughout the western United States, including Hawaii, constructing more than 60 LDS church buildings and many other commercial and government buildings.
Beginning at the young age of 28, he faithfully served for five years as Bishop of the newly organized South 13th Ward in Salt Lake City before moving to the Sugar House area. Only two years later, he was called as Bishop of Parleys Second Ward. In December 1988, Jim and Maydene embraced the adventure of serving as full-time missionaries, testifying of Jesus Christ to the people of Liberia, Africa for 15 months. Jim loved serving the Lord in many capacities, but his favorite priesthood assignment was Home Teacher, in which he diligently served until he was 89.
In 1992, Jim and Maydene purchased Clear Creek Family Ranch on the east side of Zion National Park where they built and managed a family reunion business for 13 years with their four daughters. His grandchildren will always cherish the countless memories of working alongside Grandpa at Clear Creek.
In 2006, Jim became a loving caregiver for Maydene, holding her hand all the way as her health declined until her passing in March 2012. Since that day, he has been anxiously looking forward to reuniting with her again.
The legacy of Jim and Maydene Bodell are their loving family numbering 140 with 5 more on their way. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, brothers, and two grandsons. He is survived by all his children - Jimae (and Bruce) Kenney, Kristine (and Ed) Gates, Michael (and Roxanne) Bodell, Mark ( and Annabel) Bodell, Pamela (and Michael) Hicks, Timothy (and Ivy) Bodell, Daniel (and Polly) Bodell, and Dixie (and Dale) McCorvey - as well as 59 grandchildren and their spouses and 65 great grandchildren. "We're so glad we're Bodell Kids; there's nothing we'd rather be."
Services will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2014, with visitation from 10:00-11:45 a.m. and a funeral service at 12:00 noon at the Parleys Stake Center, 1870 Parleys Canyon Boulevard, in Salt Lake City. Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah.
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Memories and Condolences
for James Bodell
jim bohn
March 9, 2014
I had the great pleasure of getting to know jim and maydene when they were at the rest home in sandy,ut. I had just randomly knocked on their door to see if they would like me to sing to them, that was in june 2011, from that time till around march 2012 till maydenes death I came frequently to visit, jim has the same name as I and he told me stories of his life, of his love of the gospel, of the love he has for his wife and children, im honored I had the privilege to get to know him and know one day ill be able to see him again! Love and prayers to his family, I was just watching enduring love a mormon message today and had a feeling too look up his name and saw he had passed, I know he is In a peaceful place, I had just wished I hadn't lost contact with him, when he moved from the rest home.
February 21, 2014
A candle in the wind...tofa soifua Bro. Bodell.
Evalani Tagoa'i-Laulu
February 21, 2014
On behalf of our parents Peni Tagoa'i Sr. & Usolelei Magalei Tagoa'i, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to the Bodell family. Your memory will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Ia Tu Ieova I Lo Tatou Va (God Be With You Till We Meet Again). eva* (7th child)
Peni & Usolelei Tagoai Family
Salu Tuigamala
February 21, 2014
My father (Peni Tagoai, Sr) worked with the Bodell Construction Co. when they constructed the Kaheohe Chapel in Oahu, Hawaii. I have fond memories of Bro Bodell (as we knew him) with his beautiful smile for everyone he met. We used to visit dad on the job sight on weekends. His children were all the same way also, beautiful welcoming smiles. I'm so happy dad got to visit him last year. Safe journey home Bro. Bodell.
- Salu Tagoai Tuigamala
Ashley Bodell
February 18, 2014
Kevin Harvey
February 18, 2014
Aloha to the Bodell Ohana,
The "Old Man" as he was affectionately known on Hawaii job sites was a great man and leader. He always pointed you in the right direction, but did not put you down to get you there. Working hard and working smart was expected not just for the company, but for yourself. He made you feel like part of the family not just an employee. I remember instead of telling you how you should do something he would say "I'm just talking, but what if we did this" and it was always a good idea. The "Old Man" will surely be missed.
Aloha 'Oe Jim Bodell
With Aloha,
Kevin Harvey and Ohana
JJ
February 17, 2014
We were saddened to hear of the passing of "Jimbo" but happy to know that he was re-united with his sweetheart, Maydeen. Our family has only fond memories of their lives of service to their ward family in the Parley's 2nd ward. What a great family they raised there. We were so fortunate that they moved into our ward and blessed our lives with their love and talents. Our prayers are with their large, loving family.
The Ray Sumner family
Annie Horne
February 17, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Rosie Brown
February 17, 2014
Uncle Jim was the kindest most loving man I have ever meet. I'm so glad that I was able to know him for a great part of my life. He will be missed at the reunions as will Aunt Maydene. I loved them both very much.
February 16, 2014
My brother and I worked with Mr Bodell on Cal State University then later he took my wife and I on a tour of the Zion ranch, he was a great friend, Chuck Eddy, Kanab
Cande Addams Fitch
February 16, 2014
Your family's farewell to Jim was as beautiful as his family. You will never know how much your parents meant to the Addams kids. It was just a bonus to have Kriss as a best friend! I can't imagine how differently my life could have been if we hadn't moved into P2.
Pauline Call Torgersen
February 16, 2014
I was so blessed to live next door, in the Parleys 2nd ward and I spent many hours in your home. Thanks to your family and to Jim for being such a great Bishop, neighbor and example. Sorry I wasn't able to be there to see you all.
February 15, 2014
So many fond memories of your Dad. Sorry we did know until Saturday night or we would have joined you and your amazing family. Lots of love to all of you as you celebrate your family roots. Dean and Coleen Menlove
Liz Martinez
February 15, 2014
As a former employee of Bodell Construction, I spent 14 years getting to know, talking, and laughing with Jim Bodell. I carry the fondest memories of his kind soul! Thank you for blessing my life with your presence! My condolences to the family, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
John Neeleman
February 15, 2014
When I was a small child my mother used to drop me off at the Bodells to be watched, mostly by my cousin Pam it turned out. But I was very pleased to get to know Uncle Jim because long as I can remember I've been a passionate student of history especially the great wars and my Dad told me Uncle Jim was a tail gunner in the Pacific theater. Uncle Jim was my relative who had fought in World War II and I was very proud of that and told everyone about it. I knew a man had to be very brave and skillful to be a tail gunner because the job was so very dangerous. I learned that so many tail gunners did not make it back from the war. My Dad and I were in awe of Uncle Jim for this.
Uncle Jim was a fabulous role model for a boy because I saw that he was not only brave beyond what I could fathom, he was also warm and charming, he was good to my Aunt Maydene, and he always had time for his children and even for me. When at my Grandpa's ranch it was always a treat for me to stay at the Bodell cabin because those cousins seemed so worldly and interesting and of course to see Uncle Jim. My favorite cousin of all was Tim who was a little older than me and I have always regarded him as one of my very best friends.
When I was growing up one of the things that made Tim so fun was that he knew how to do things to get us in trouble but not too much trouble. Like at family reunions stealing water melons, playing poker or spying on the girls. I think some of the adults unfairly thought of him as a truant. At a Whiting reunion when I was an adolescent one of the young families discovered a large number of salamanders in their tent and naturally the blame fell on Tim. This was scary because adults were very upset; the small children were hysterical and there was concern that they might be mentally scarred for life. I knew Tim was innocent because I had been at his side all day and night and we had not come near that tent or any salamanders. I will never forget how Uncle Jim interceded; I saw that he saw at once that his boy was not to blame. But he was able not only to defended Tim, he in a few minutes very adroitly brought an end to the conflict, got everyone to see that it could not have been Tim who did it and maybe the salamanders just crawled there, and restored complete harmony in the family. Soon Tim was receiving many apologies. Had it not been for Uncle Jim and his intelligence and charm and the respect everyone had for him this could have been one of those events that causes a family reunion to turn into the Hatfields and the McCoys.
As the years have passed and I have lived outside Utah and developed a busy family and personal life I have been to the ranch and to family reunions less and less. I'm sad that the last time I saw Uncle Jim and Aunt Maydene was at Clearwater Ranch. As always they received me so warmly, were so happy to see me. I remember this like it was yesterday. It was good to see them there enjoying the fruits of their successful life and their dazzling posterity and other relatives.
Guy Wilcox
February 15, 2014
This giant a a man both spiritually and socially has been such an influence in my life. Always with direction in kindness and love! Even though that was in my very young years it has remained in my life as a constant. Thanks to you as a family to so willingly share your Dad for years. I rejoice when I can see him again and thank him personally!
cheryl Brown
February 15, 2014
My daughter said he wanted to give Madine the best Valentines gift he could give her, himself.
We will miss them dearly. Love Art and Cheryl
Kelley Anderson
February 14, 2014
I will never forget Jim's voice, kindness and constant cheerful attitude. Jim and his sons built an institution of a construction company where I learned so much over many years. What a wonderful man and family!
Scott Bodell
February 14, 2014
We Love you Jim. You have always set a good example to all that you came in contact with. You will live fore ever in our memories. RIP
Together Forever!
Pamela Hicks
February 14, 2014
Matthew Davis
February 14, 2014
It appearing to me like just yesterday when I was in their apartment packing their belongings to go back to the United State from Liberia from serving mission.
Little did I know never to see them again in this life.
I can remember very well how sister Bodell and I cry and the tears flow understandably. Now I understand fully that we were not to see each other no more. She find it difficult to enter the car that early morning to leave for the airport. Elder Bodell have to lift her up to the car with tears in their eyes. Please rest in peace Mum and Dad. I can't go further because I can't control my tears. God be with both of you.
Debbie Fenn Andrus
February 14, 2014
I had the honor of living next door to the Bodell family as I was growing up. So many memories of what an influential man Jim was. Too many to list but to the family: You were blessed to born into such an amazing family. Parents who loved you and not only taught the Gospel but lived it as well. As Jim passed the through the veil on Wednesday night I can only imagine the joy when he was welcomed by his Savior. I am sure his arms were wide open and tears of joy ran down the Saviors face as he said to Jim "welcome home, thou good and faithful servant." My love to each of you.
Steve Walker
February 14, 2014
Dear Bodell family;
When your family moved into the Parleys 2nd ward, your dad helped in the Aaronic Priesthood and greatly influenced our group pf energertic young boys. He captured our attention, respect and love. Even though we all grew up and left, we forever remember the imprint on our lives from Jim Bodell!
Steve Walker
W.Scott Harbrecht
February 14, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the Bodell family with the passing of your father and husband. Our fathers were part of the Granite high stage crew when they were in high school. Through all the years, they always kept in touch. Jim and Maydene were always a part of our lives, growing up. Our fathers were part of a great generation that always lived and fought for what we take for granted. Thank you for such a great man and family friend. Willard (Lefty) & Joyce Harbrecht family.
Bill Evans
February 14, 2014
So very sorry about his passing. He was one of the truly good persons that I have known.
Janet Budge
February 14, 2014
I have such wonderful memories of Bishop Jim in the South Thirteenth Ward--so many years ago. What a wonderful, caring man. I know you'll all miss him, but I also know he's with Maydene and the others in your families who were waiting for him. Blessings to you all
Janet Budge
lee wigglesworth
February 14, 2014
My life is richer for knowing Jim and Maydene. When they were at Sandy Health and Rehab, I said to Jim: It's wonderful that you can be here together, It was at that time Maydene's health was declining and he was taking care of her. He replied: Where else would I want to be but with my eternal companion. Till we meet again.
February 14, 2014
As newly arrived immigrants from the Netherlands, our family was neighbors to the Bodells. Jim was our Bishop. I was their babysitter and he introduced me to Ovaltine. He brought over a tree for Christmas. We appreciate his kindness.
Frances Goebel Patterson
Kris Pettey Richins
February 14, 2014
Deepest sympathy to all of you for losing a great man. Thank you for sharing him with us. He touched my life as a Bishop and as how a Daddy treats his kiddos.
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