James A Stovall

On February 28, 2023, James ‘Jim’ Stovall went to heaven at the age of 85, with his family by his side. He was devoted to his wife Bobbie and family, Tina (Husband Geoff, Grandsons C.J., Jimmy, and Thomas) and Scott (Wife Judy, and Granddaughter Brooke).

Jim was larger than life, dedicated to his business and his lifelong passion for building countless hotels, homes, cabins, apartments, and condos. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, classic car collecting, and playing golf. He was a beacon of hope and love to so many. Jim defined what it meant to live the American Dream and his generosity touched everyone he met in life. He was an entrepreneur, an artist, a builder, a contractor, a restauranteur, a philanthropist, and all he did in his life was for the people he loved and for his family. His selflessness was uncommon. Jim was so dynamic in all that he did. His kindness reached across the world and his word was his bond.

Born in Peabody, Kansas in 1937, to Al and Irene Stovall, they moved their family to Phoenix, Arizona in the early forties. He worked with his father to mine manganese, producing what is still today the largest stockpile in the United States. As a young man, he worked side by side with his father to build the Royal Palms Inn, The Desert Inn, Desert Hills Motel, The Desert Sun, The Tahiti and the El Rancho chain in Phoenix, Yuma, and Needles. The Stovall family lived in Phoenix until 1964. Jim attended St. Mary’s and Kenilworth Grammar Schools. He went to St. Mary’s High School, lettering in all sports including football, baseball, basketball, golf, and track. In 1957, he entered Arizona State University where he majored in construction engineering and minored in business. He also joined Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. In 1961, Jim entered the Air National Guard. A few months later, the Berlin Crisis occurred. Jim was sent to France where he served in the U.S. Air Force as heavy equipment operator with a civil engineer unit. By 1963, Jim received his degree in construction engineering and joined his father in Anaheim. They launched a new business venture which involved the construction of hotels and motels around Disneyland and in parts of Arizona. The Anaheim hotels would have a space age theme similar to the “Tomorrowland” theme at Disneyland. Construction began in 1966 on Space Age Lodges in Anaheim and a similar project at Gila Bend, Arizona in 1963. Jim became the contractor at the age of 26 and continued to develop hotels throughout his life. Jim Stovall completed most of his hotel projects in record time. He was a leader in the industry and could command a team with great efficiency. Jim built multiple Best Western Hotels in his life. Today the Stovall’s Hotels of Anaheim properties include the Stovall’s Inn, the Park Place Inn, The Anaheim Inn, and The Pavilions. He also built the Anaheimer Inn, The Cosmic, The Galaxy, The Astro, and The Apollo Inn. In 1964, Bill O’Connell joined the Stovall Family (brothers, Bob, Jack, sister, Minta). This was the beginning of a lifelong friendship and partnership between the O’Connell and Stovall families. Jim Stovall was known throughout the community as a man with a beautiful spirit and a generous nature. He built 97 condos, countless hotels, numerous homes and apartments.

Jim was devoted to the love of his life, Bobbie. They were married almost 57 years. Their love for each other was unconditional and special. Together, they were a team for all these years. They were married in 1966 and had mutual respect for each other through the years. Bobbie and Jim Stovall traveled the world together. Bobbie took on Jim’s life… Their adventures together included hunting, fishing, and golf. Jim so loved hearing Bobbie play the piano. In sickness and in health, Bobbie has been there for her husband Jim. Jim and Bobbie have changed the lives of so many. They built the White House Restaurant and have supported Caterina’s Club since its founding. Their charitable works in the community include U Turn for Christ, Speech and Language Development Center, and One More Productions/ The Gem Theatre. Their kindness and generosity are felt by so many and Jim’s legacy lives on in many organizations.

His zest for humor and laughter was contagious. Words cannot describe what his life meant and how impactful his presence on earth was. He was wise in his business and was always there for his family. He loved to live and share life with those he cared for most. He was an incredible example to his children and grandchildren. Jim Stovall believed that consistency is one of life’s great values. “Respect is gained only by the way you live and the way you treat your family and others around you. And while it’s nice to be successful and appreciated, the most important attribute I learned from my dad is that your word should be as good as gold.” He gave to so many when he saw a need for a life improvement or change. Success to Jim Stovall was defined by friendship, trust, and love. He did not boast about his personal contributions to those in need, he just simply would say that it needed to be done. There is something to be said for such a giver. His profound deeds and creations will impact generations to come. He was our “buddy” and all of us that knew and loved him can say that he impacted our lives like no one else ever will.

Rosary will be at Pacific View Chapel on Thurs., March 9, 2023 4 to 8p.m.. The funeral Mass will be at St. Columban Catholic Church in Garden Grove on Friday, March 10, 2023 at 10am.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that charitable donations be made to U Turn for Christ, Caterina’s Club, or One More Productions.

https://uturnforchrist.com/

https://caterinasclub.org/

https://www.thegemoc.com/