Mr. James Dewey Stark

James Dewey Stark peacefully departed this world on October 9, 2017. He was born on April 26, 1923 in Pearson, AR to parents, Sam and Carra Ethel Stark. At an early age his parents relocated to southern California, where he spent many enjoyable hours hunting and exploring the back country on his horse, Buck. After graduation from Sweetwater High School, he entered the U.S Army. While in WWII, the European theater, he was a scout and sharpshooter. He received 2 Purple Hearts for injuries received. After returning home, he explored several careers and even went to Saudi Arabia where he worked for ARAMCO as a truck driver and heavy equipment operator. There he fell in love with Ida May Holmes, whose father was a company executive. They married Dec. 1, 1951 in Bahrain. To this union 2 children were born, James and Teresa James returned to the United States shortly after the birth of Teresa and untimely death of Ida May. His adventures didn’t end there. He became a partner in a hunting camp in Jackson Hole, WY, when it was still the Wild West. When he returned to San Diego, he became a crane operator. He retired from the Operating Engineers Union in 1985. He was then able to devote time to his wife of 40 years, Louise, and their menagerie. After Louise passed, he moved to Willow Springs to be close to his daughter and her family. He was fond of thanking Teresa for bringing him into this wonderful, loving family and community. He made Willow Springs his home and was embraced by the community. Eventually he met and married Vivian Black. She has preceded him in death. James was ever mindful of what he could do to help others. He was considered the “gopher” at Waggoner Home Center because up until a few months ago, he would think it his responsibility to come do the banking, take the mail to the post office and pay the local bills. For the past 8 years he has been a resident of Willow West Apartments. He loved his “Skipper”, Jackie, and all the others who helped with caregiving. He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 wives, a sister and brother. He is survived by a brother, Alan, and his wife Annie of Lakeside, CA; son James and wife Lori; daughter Teresa Waggoner and husband Jay, all of Willow Springs; grandchildren Shannon Mosawi and husband Anthony of London, Martha Stolba and husband Brad, Susan Waggoner of Willow Springs; Jennifer Hinz and husband Jeff Pithan of St. Louis; and Paul Waggoner and wife Logan of Willow Springs; Great Grandchildren Lindsay, Eric, Derick, Liam, Collin and Ethan; as well as great, great grandson Eli. James loved his family and his country, was a lifetime member of the NRA and was especially fond of 25 year old Scotch. He was a man who will be remembered for a long time. A memorial service for Mr. Stark will be held at 6:00 PM, Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at the Willow Funeral Home with Rev. Diane Cooke officiating. Inurnment will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home. On-line condolences may be left at www.willowspringsfuneralhome.com

Mr. James Dewey Stark

April 26, 1923 - October 9, 2017

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Mr. James Dewey Stark

April 26, 1923 - October 9, 2017

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Contact Us

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

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