James Wesley Tarpley

      James Wesley Tarpley, age 56, of Lake Point, Utah, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on December 10, 2023. All who knew him are deeply saddened by his passing.

      James was born four weeks early, weighing 6 pounds and 14 ounces, on May 28, 1967 to Roy Glenn Tarpley and Mary Angline Vance Tarpley In Tulsa, Oklahoma. James graduated from Booker T. Washington High School located in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1985. He went on to join the Navy and served for four years. He was fiercely loyal to his country.

      James held many jobs through the years. His favorite was being a fire fighter for the Tooele Army Depot. He recently retired after 21+ years of service. He worked at Bass Pro Shop as a safety manager. To know him was to love him. James was a man of honor, strength, and humility. He had a great sense of humor and was often found sharing “dad jokes.” His free time was spent with his family. He was a quiet man who led by example. He was full of faith, commitment to his family, his love for God, and his country.

      James met the love of his life in an unusual and amazing way. They became pen pals. After finding each other’s names and addresses in a country music magazine, James and Lori became friends. This friendship prompted a trip to Utah where James met Lori in person. They were married on October 23, 1993. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on October 23, 2012. They enjoyed 30+ amazing years together and their relationship became stronger with each passing year. They were each other’s best friends. They have two children, Mikaela Ann, born in 1995 and Cody James, born in 1997. James adored their children. His family was everything to him.

      James was baptized and became a dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on October 28 ,1995. He held many callings through the years and was committed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was someone that could be counted on to do what he said he would do. He was a scout leader to many boys over the years, went on pioneer treks as medical staff as well as many girl’s camps. He worked hard at every assignment or calling that he held.  

      James was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Mary. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Lori and their children; Mikaela and Cody, brothers in law; Lani Davis, Mickey Peterson, (Shawn Fenus), and his brother, David Tarpley.

      Saturday, December 16th, there will be a viewing from 11:00am-12:45pm with a funeral at 1:00pm at the LDS Church, located at 1366 Canyon Road in Lake Point, Utah. The burial will be at the Lake Point Cemetery, located at 7831 North Mountain View Road in Lake Point. In lieu of flowers, consider a Venmo donation for the Tarpley family at this time. https://venmo.com/u/Lori-PetersonTarpley