James Paul Stapley, Sr.

James "Jim" Paul Stapley Sr., 86, passed Wednesday, January 25, 2017, due to respiratory complications related to Parkinson's disease. Jim was born in Mesa, Arizona on November 21, 1930 to Thyrle Stapley and Ruth Stapley Openshaw. His siblings were Fred Stapley, Dick Stapley, and Don Stapley. Jim lived an adventurous life; he spent time in the Navy, hiked the Grand Canyon, and made friends every where he went. On July 29, 1950 Jim married his sweetie Cleo Mae Shurtz. For many years, Jim avidly and enthusiastically raced Motorcycles, Jalopies, Sprint Cars, Fullhouse Jalopies, Stock Cars, Ford Factory Cars, and Dune Buggies. In total, he won 52 Main Events - 150 races in all, and was inducted into the Arizona Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2000. Jim was heavily involved in the Boy Scouts of America. During this involvement he was Scout Master of Phoenix 9th ward Troop 269 and Mesa 5th ward Troop 751. He participated in Camp Geronimo for 50 years. In 2013 Jim was presented with a 100 year commemorative coin in recognition to his dedication to the Boy Scouts. Jim was also presented with a Silver Beaver award; the highest honor a local Scout Council can present in recognition for service above and beyond the normal. Jim was a very active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. In his devotion to his church, Jim served in the Phoenix West Stake Presidency and was Bishop three times. Jim's devotion to others lead to his service on the Osborn School Board, Mesa City Council, and the Mesa Police Committee. Jim is survived by his wife of 66 years, Cleo Mae Stapley Shurtz; his children James Paul Stapley Jr., Kenneth O. Stapley, William Jay Stapley, Kathy Sue Mucklow Stapley; 12 Grand Children; 26 Great-Grand Children, and his brothers Fred Stapley and Don Stapley. Services will be held on February 6, 2017 at the L.D.S. Chapel - 1718 North Date Mesa, Arizona 85201. Viewing at 10:00 a.m. Funeral at 11:00 a.m. followed by a Graveside Dedication. For additional information contact Ken Stapley at [email protected]