James Logan “Jim” Mendell, 81, of Woodruff returned with honor to Heaven on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2014. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Woodruff, with a viewing from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Burial will follow the funeral service at the Woodruff Cemetery.
Jim was born on Aug. 30, 1932, in Phoenix. Before starting elementary school in Holbrook, he lived near Young and eventually settled in Woodruff. He left high school to become a cowboy and remained a cowboy at heart for the rest of his life. He was a hard worker who believed if it was worth doing, it was worth doing right. He was a great example of service in his church and could always be counted on to help with service projects in the community. He was a good friend who tried to always help those in need.
He joined the LDS church in 1963 and served in many callings and organizations, however scouting was his favorite and he served as a Scoutmaster for over 20 years. He enjoyed sharing the Gospel and searching out his ancestors while doing genealogy.
In 1952, after a whirlwind courtship, he married his sweetheart, Leola Johnson. They were sealed to each other and their children in the Mesa Temple in 1964. His family was the most important thing in his life and he was proud of his large posterity, which included seven children, 26 grandchildren, 58 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandsons.
After trading his life on the open range to become a husband and father, Jim worked as a carpenter. He worked on the power plant, and built houses, churches, bridges and schools all throughout Arizona, but his greatest accomplishment was his family. He was known for dancing around the house with his sweetheart in his arms, much to the delight of his children and grandchildren.
Jim loved to sing and did so for many years in his church choir. He also loved playing guitar and enjoyed a good jam session with his friends. He liked to camp, hunt and fish. He also liked history, especially Arizona history, and shared his knowledge and love of exploring Arizona with many. His hobbies included woodworking, gardening and raising livestock. The thing that he enjoyed most of all was having his family gathered around him where he could watch all of his grandchildren play together.
Survivors include his children, Loueen (Carwin) Gardner, Danny (Kerrie) Mendell, Jim (Bobbie) Mendell, Marie Pollard, Linda (Billy) Myers, Sandra (Bill) Holmes and Camilla Mendell; and many beloved grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Leola Johnson; his parents, James Levingston Mendell and Genevieve Marie Nidever; and his siblings, Paul, Mary Alice, Carl and Lloyd.
Owens Livingston Mortuary of Holbrook was in charge of the arrangements.
