October 10, 1915 — September 28, 2016
James Malan Hobbs, former Long Beach, California dentist, long-time resident of Ogden, Utah, Garden Grove, California, and St. George, Utah; master machinist, broom maker, pilot, mechanic, blacksmith, radio personality, janitor, square-dance caller, assistant professor, materials researcher, library volunteer, living history volunteer, and church leader, passed away on September 28, 2016, at age 100.
His wife, Patricia Jean Spain, preceded him in death on March 3, 2004. Jimmie and Patricia anticipate, in due time, the gathering of their eternal family: James Patrick, Meredith (Lund), Evan Spain, Jonathan Peter, Angela (Dose), Bennett Paul, their spouses, 21 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren.
Jimmie was an avid reader and tried to learn something new each day. The example of reading often was set by his parents, Charles James Hobbs, an immigrant convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his mother Teresa Una Malan, of Waldensian decent. Jimmie was born on October 10, 1915, in their home in Ogden, Utah with his grandmother Malan assisting.
Jimmie was educated in the Ogden city schools. He graduated with an A.A. degree from Weber College; attended Brigham Young University and the University of Southern California School of Dentistry, from which he graduated in 1950; and later served seven years as a faculty member and assistant research director of Dental Materials at USC.
Jimmie started his dental education in 1933, but did not graduate for seventeen years, due to working for tuition money, then attending school, over and over again. During this time he acquired many skills, later to be used in designing, manufacturing, and tooling research equipment and various machined parts for aircraft and industry.
Jimmie served in many church capacities including as a missionary to the Eastern States Mission (1937-39) and, with Patricia, to the Philippines Baguio Mission (1985-86). He was ordained a high priest by Harold B. Lee and served as a bishop and stake president. In 1974 he was ordained a patriarch by Gordon B. Hinckley and later received the sealing authority from Spencer W. Kimball.
Jimmie served for over twenty-four years in the Los Angeles and St. George Temples as a sealer. In later years he enjoyed genealogical research as well as temple service.
Jimmie’s surviving siblings include Lorell A. Widdison, Hooper, Utah; Raymond M. Hobbs of Ogden, Utah; and Melba Kofoed, Ogden Utah.
Jimmie’s brother, Don Malan Hobbs and sister, Doris Knowles preceded him in death.
Funeral Services
- Funeral services will be held Monday, Oct. 17, at 2 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Flood Street Chapel, 85 S. 400 East, St George, Utah.
- A viewing will be held Sunday, Oct. 16, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 300 W. St George Blvd., and again on Monday, Oct. 17, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at the Flood Street Chapel.
- Interment will be at the St George City Cemetery, 700 E. Tabernacle St., St. George, following the funeral.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221.
For condolences, full obituary, and funeral listings please visit Metcalf Mortuary online.