News Summary
Jim Patrick Stodden, a cherished educator and coach in Lake View, IA, passed away at 85. His dedication to sports and education left an indelible mark on his community. Known for his coaching excellence and commitment to his family, Stodden’s legacy lives on through his contributions to local athletics and the values he imparted to his children and students.
Lake View, IA – James “Jim” Patrick Stodden, a beloved educator and accomplished coach, passed away at the age of 85 on Friday, July 18, 2025, at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, IA. Known for his dedication to sports and education, Stodden’s legacy will be remembered by his family, former students, and the communities he served throughout his life.
Born on April 9, 1940, Stodden was the son of Jack and Vivian (Coyne) Stodden. He grew up in Lake View, where he graduated from Lake View High School in 1958. Following high school, he attended Morningside College in Sioux City, IA, where he distinguished himself as a four-year letter winner in baseball.
After completing his college education, Stodden served in the United States Navy for two years, returning to civilian life with a passion for teaching and coaching. He began his career in Dell Rapids, SD, where he met Dorothy Anne Hatch, who would become his wife on June 8, 1968. The couple shared 52 years of marriage and raised three children together.
Stodden initially coached football at Crestland School in Early, IA, where he quickly made a name for himself by winning the Siouxland Coach of the Year award in 1969. He achieved a significant milestone by guiding his team to a state record of 36 consecutive wins. In addition to football, Stodden also coached basketball, baseball, and track, while teaching social studies.
Throughout their marriage, the Stodden family lived in several locations, including Rockwell City, IA, before settling in Lake View. There, they spent over 45 years on an acreage, where Jim instilled values of hard work and discipline in his children. He was actively involved in their lives, supporting them in sports and music while also enjoying his passion for gardening.
Stodden is survived by his oldest son, Michael, and his grandchildren, Alex and Syndey, who live in Elkhorn, NE. His second son, David, and his wife, Robin, reside in Chapin, SC, along with their grandchildren, Kennedy, Katherine, Christian, and Camden. His daughter, Laura (Miller), and her husband, Matt, live in Ankeny, IA, and have grandchildren Grace, Anna, Claire, Tom, and Emma. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy, along with his mother, father, and sister, Joann.
In honor of his wife, contributions can be made in lieu of flowers to the Dorothy Stodden Memorial Music Scholarship fund at East Sac County High School. This scholarship reflects the couple’s dedication to education and the arts, a legacy they both cherished.
A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sac City, IA. Following the mass, Stodden will be laid to rest at Wall Lake Cemetery in Wall Lake, IA. A visitation will be held at St. Mary’s on the evening prior from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM, with a eulogy reading beginning at 7:00 PM. The Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Lake View is managing the arrangements.
Jim Stodden’s contributions to athletics and education profoundly impacted his community and will not be forgotten. His commitment to his students, athletes, and family serves as a shining example of dedication and compassion.
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Additional Resources
- 1380 KCIM: James “Jim” Stodden of Lake View
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
- Lundberg Funeral Home: Earl Stodden
- Google Search: Educational Impact
- Tukios: James Stodden Memorial
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sports
- 1380 KCIM: James “Jim” Stodden of Lake View
- Google News: Iowa Veterans Home
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