James Stodden Obituary

Jim Stodden, age 85 of Lake View, IA, passed away on Friday, July 18, 2025, at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, IA. James (Jim) Patrick Stodden was born April 9, 1940, to Jack and Vivian (Coyne) Stodden. After graduating from Lake View High School in 1958, he attended Morningside College in Sioux City, IA, and was a 4-year letter winner in baseball. After graduating from Morningside College, he served in the United States Navy for two years.
Jim moved to Dell Rapids, SD, to start his teaching and coaching career. He met his future wife of 52 years, Dorothy Anne Hatch, while in South Dakota and they were married on June 8, 1968. Jim and Dorothy made their first home in Early, IA, where Jim was a highly successful football coach for Crestland School. He was honored with the Siouxland Coach of the Year award in 1969 while at Crestland, winning 36 games in a row, a state record at the time. Jim also coached basketball, baseball, track, and taught social studies throughout his teaching and coaching career.
Jim and Dorothy briefly lived in Rockwell City, IA, before moving to Lake View, where they lived on an acreage and raised their three children. Jim continued following his passion for sports by teaching his children the value of hard work and discipline. He enjoyed following their sports and music endeavors, gardening, and taking care of the acreage for over 45 years.
Jim was preceded in death by his mother, father, sister Joann, and his wife Dorothy.
He is survived by his oldest son Michael of Elkhorn, NE (grandchildren Alex & Syndey), his second son David and wife Robin of Chapin, SC (grandchildren Kennedy, Katherine, Christian, and Camden), and his daughter Laura (Miller) and husband Matt of Ankeny, IA (grandchildren Grace, Anna, Claire, Tom, and Emma).
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Dorothy Stodden Memorial Music Scholarship fund, affiliated with East Sac County High School.