James (Jim) McCoy Workman Jr., 75, of Soda Springs Idaho, passed away peacefully at home on May 30, 2026, with his Wife by his side. Jim knew his time on this earth was short and had written his own obituary. In keeping with his wishes, it was unchanged with the exception of this first and the last paragraph.

I was born February 20, 1951, in Richmond, California, to James McCoy Workman and Norma Jean Whittaker Workman. Dad’s schooling and work took us to Seattle, Washington, Satellite Beach, Florida, and Granger, Utah. My younger sisters, Terrie, Toni, and Connie, completed our family.

As a youth, I loved the Scouting program, earning my Eagle Scout, and serving as a merit badge counselor for Astronomy and Orienteering at Camp Lenoche in Florida.

After graduating from Granger High School, I served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Central Germany. Serving a mission was where I learned to turn to my Heavenly Father, realized all I owed to my Savior, Jesus Christ, and grew to love His gospel. If any of my posterity asked me if serving a mission is important, I would say unquestioningly YES! There are no shortcuts to achieving the spiritual growth a mission offers.

Following my mission, during the Vietnam War, I joined the Air Force, training at Keesler AFB and ultimately being assigned to Grand Forks AFB, where I repaired Inertial Navigation Systems. Although I served during a very unpopular war, I was honored to serve my country and am proud of my progeny who have likewise served.

After my time in the Air Force, I attended BYU, earning a degree in Chemical Engineering. My first job was with Monsanto in Soda Springs, Idaho, where I had the privilege of working under Wayne Tufts.

On July 6 th, 1980, God brought an angel, LaRue McCulloch, into my life. We went on our first date on August 2 nd and were engaged a short 17 days later. On October 11, 1980, LaRue and I were sealed for eternity in the Salt Lake Temple, and so began a life of joy for me from that day on! My angel wife brought light and happiness into my life. That light came from her ability to seek to find the good in everyone she met, her love of the scriptures, her deep commitment to covenants, and her spiritual sensitivity. Because of her, our home was Christ-centered. Many visitors have commented over the years of the feeling of peace they feel as they enter our home. Countless people, from youth we taught to complete strangers, have commented that they can tell we really love each other. Observing my dear wife’s unwavering faith and hope has made me seek to be a better person and a more worthy follower of Christ.

I still remember the first meal she made me. There was a tablecloth on the table (she STILL insists on a tablecloth even for a simple sandwich on a paper plate), it was beautifully set, and the meal was burned. My love for her increased even more because of that effort! The only things she could really cook were bread and a few cookie recipes. The few recipes she had mastered were delicious, but often, bread was the only thing truly edible at dinner. However, my angel was committed to learning all the skills! Her perseverance has been amply rewarded, as anyone will attest.

My employment with GE, Corning, and finally BYU took me to several different states. In each location, we found much to love, made friends, and served the Lord as best we could. My favorite callings were always with my angel wife, whether with youth, as her “third counselor” the 3 times she served as a RS pres, or, my favorite, as nursery leaders. I recall one time telling her about a promotion that would require moving from a favorite place. LaRue said, “I don’t care if I have to live in a canvas tent in Alaska, I’ll be happy anywhere, as long as I’m with you.” Who couldn’t help but succeed with such love and support?

To our very happy union were added one incredible daughter, Jenny, also known as Bones. The Lord knew I would only be raising one daughter on this Earth, so he sent me the very best. She was followed by 4 wonderful sons, Jake, Isaac, Henry, and Jimmy. These five children have been a great blessing, and as their father, I have treasured so many happy adventures, games around the kitchen table, monthly personal interviews, attending their activities, and bragging about their accomplishments to practically anyone who made eye contact with me!

LaRue was determined all our kids would know how to read before kindergarten, so we combined efforts and made it happen. Those memories of reading to each child, even as they were in middle school, I cherish. As I recall playing basketball in our driveway, helping them learn to swim in our pools in Texas and Utah, campouts, flag football in our yard, Red Ryder BB guns with straw bale targets, and countless golf rounds, I am so grateful my Heavenly Father sent these 5 precious souls to be part of our eternal family. My family is truly the greatest gift my Heavenly Father has ever given me.

I am overcome with gratitude as I ponder the blessed life I have enjoyed these past 45+ years with my beloved wife, children, and grandchildren. I have been loath to leave them, but I am anxious to fall at the feet of my Savior and thank Him for always being there for me. I hope He finds me worthy to be called one of His followers. There is also a feeling of happy anticipation at being reunited with loved ones who have preceded me.

Some final words from the Old Man...

Who you marry is the most important decision you will ever make in this life. That decision determines whether you have eternal joy or endless misery. Never marry anyone you feel forced to, compelled to, or guilted into what should be a sacred union.

Everyone has a right to grow up.

Follow the Prophet.  Note his promises in every Conference and every talk he gives. Re-read them over and over and FOLLOW them.

The temple is where the veil is the thinnest and the Spirit most available. Do whatever it takes to get there as often as possible.

The prophet Joseph Smith said, “The closer we get to our Heavenly Father, the more inclined we are to look with compassion on perishing souls.” Choose compassion. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is for everyone. He suffered and died for all of us. His hand is stretched out still. It’s never too late. All you have to do is make even the smallest effort, and He will reach your reaching. Christ atoned for EVERYONE. Yes. Even that person.

My love and interest in my progeny will still be there in the next realm, so when you miss me, know I am right there. I will be watching over you, cheering you on, celebrating your many happy moments, comforting you in the sad ones, and one day, many years from now, I will be there as you cross from this life to the next.

And remember, Jolly Ranchers are clear liquids. I am survived by my wife LaRue, my children Jenny (Ryan Thalman), Jake (Erin), Isaac (La Kiesha), Henry (Beth), Jimmy (Julia), grandchildren Eli, Venny, Hazel, Miri, Galveston, Ben Ryan, Anubis, and Kenzuri, my sisters Terrie (Dave Thomas), Toni (Don Stowell), and Connie (Mark Caldwell), mother-in-law RaNae McCulloch (Foster), in-laws Lonnie (Kasia) McCulloch, RaLyn McCulloch, Tiana (Tui) Filiaga, Seth (Tina) McCulloch, Kim (Jay) Barnard, Jim (Charlene) McCulloch, Lee (Pam) Foster, and Rinnie (Scott) Hancock. Preceded in death by my parents, father-in-law Merlin McCulloch, and brother-in-law Charles (Lori) McCulloch.

The Family would like to thank Dr. Michael Peiper at the Afton VA clinic, Dr. Ryan Finn, and the Symbii Hospice Providers who helped provide compassionate care in the final days.

Per Jim’s wishes, there will be no viewing, and his funeral service will be short and sweet. The service will be held at the Soda Springs Stake Center on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 11:00 am, with the dedication of the grave at the Fairview Cemetery immediately following the service.

Services under the direction of Red Rose Funeral Home, Preston, Idaho. To share a favorite memory of Jim or to offer condolences to the family, please leave a tribute on this page.