April 27, 1961 ~ Feb. 25, 2024 (age 62)
James was born in Columbus, Ohio, on April, 27, 1961, to the late Billy Joe Stimmell and Rose Eleanor (Cyphert) Stimmell. He passed away after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024, at home, surrounded by family.
James graduated from Watkins Memorial High School, and immediately joined the United States Marine Corps where he proudly served his country both in peace and hostile environments, for over 20 years, receiving numerous awards and decorations. Finally retiring from the Marine Corps in 1999 after 20-plus years of faithful service to his country.
After retirement from the military, James worked in law enforcement until he decided to move to Idaho for a fresh start. James was hired at Idaho Department of Labor where he dedicated 20-plus years to the citizens of Idaho. After 20 years he had finally retired in March 2024 as IT Manager II for Idaho’s unemployment system.
James dedicated his life to his Lord and Savior in October 2009 and that had a powerful change in his heart and how he chose to live the rest of his life from that moment forward. His faith never wavered.
James met former Lewiston/Moscow resident Lisa Groseclose and were never apart from each other, which was a running joke, but true. You would often hear the term “Team Lisa,” which kept everyone laughing. It was always said if you see one of them the other one will pop up any minute and that was true. In their spare time James and Lisa enjoyed traveling, trap shooting, archery tournaments, wine tasting with friends and floating in their backyard oasis.
His survivors include his loving wife of 13 years Lisa (Groseclose) Stimmell, whom he married March 17, 2011; children Heather (Brett) Vandenberg; Whitney (Michael) Gallagher; stepchildren Hope Tucker and Michael Tucker; brother Roger (Mary) Stimmell; sisters Judy McKinley and Larena Stimmell; and grandchildren, Carter Vandenberg, Reese Vandenberg and Conall Gallagher.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the following charities in James’ memory: Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html).
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 27, at Calvary Chapel-Boise, 123 Auto Drive, Boise.
