June 01, 1954 - November 17, 2021
Jim Staal passed suddenly into the loving arms of our Lord on November 17, 2021 while at home in Lodi.
Jim was born to Donald and Beatrice Staal in Grand Rapids, Michigan on June 1, 1952. His father died while Jim was only 5 years old. Following his dad's passing, the family moved a number of times to be near his brother and family. Jim graduated from Redwood High School in Larkspur, CA and attended Hope College in Holland, Michigan.
Jim came to Lodi in 1989. He married Tara Warner in Lodi on August 27, 1995. They remained soulmates until his passing. After living in Medford, Oregon for a few years, the balance of their marriage was spent in Lodi.
While Jim worked a variety of jobs during his lifetime, the majority of his years he worked as a youth pastor/director, and youth athletic coach. While in Lodi, he was a youth pastor/director at the First United Methodist Church, Grace Presbyterian Church, and St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Jim coached the boys golf team and girls golf team at Lodi High School. He also coached the girls basketball teams at Lodi High School, Bear Creek High School, Franklin High School, and Linden High School. He had many championship teams.
Jim was an avid golfer and played up to the time of his passing. He was an all-around sports enthusiast. For most of his life he played a variety of sports, until recent years when his knees got the better of him.
Jim loved music of all genres, but especially rock music and Christian music. He enjoyed playing the guitar, using it extensively in his Christian ministry and youth work. He and Tara attended many concerts, but their favorite group was U2.
Most of all, Jim loved Tara. He had a kind and loving heart. It was as long and wide as the many golf courses he loved to play. He was also compassionate towards others.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Taylor Wahl and her husband Zach. He loved his daughter dearly and took pride in watching her grow both personally and professionally. She is a Physician's Assistant in San Louis Obispo. Jim was so looking forward to meeting his first grandchild, due early next year, when Taylor is expecting her first child, a daughter.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Bob. He is survived by his wife, Tara; his daughter, Taylor and her husband Zach; his sister, Donna Coulson and her husband Chuck; his brother's wife, Karen; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Kathy and Dave Warner; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jason and Cari Warner; and many nieces and nephews.
Although his passing was unexpected, we take comfort knowing that Jim is now in the loving arms of his Savior, Jesus. No more failing heart. No more aches or pains. No tears. Just the complete love and joy that comes only from being in the presence of the Lord.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Lodi. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall. The affair will be casual in honor of Jim (he loved to wear shorts and hats). If you have a favorite hat, please feel free to wear it at the reception.
Donations may be made in Jim's memory to the Lodi High Boys Golf Team or the Lodi High Girls Golf Team at 3 S. Pacific Ave, Lodi, CA 95242.
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Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Staal family.