Jim Stocks
– As reported to Meredith Mirrington
Meet Jim Stocks, an off and on Moab resident for more than 30 years (he’s been on for the last seven) and a teacher of many things – including driver’s education – at the high school. If he wasn’t teaching, you’d likely find him writing, or, yodeling. Learn more from Jim, below.
1) What initially brought you to Moab?
My parents moved our family to Moab in 1978 – and I couldn’t wait to leave. After graduating from Grand County High School, I lived in southwestern and northern Utah for many years before job opportunities led my family back to southeastern Utah, living in Monticello for six years and now seven years in Moab.
2) What do you love most about living in Moab?
Waking up in the morning to the sun on the red rocks, the beautiful blue sky, the smell of the desert and the La Sals on the horizon – it just feels like home.
3) What do you dislike about living in Moab?
Trying to make a left turn onto Main Street from April to November.
4) What is your occupation?
I teach high school students taking courses in Drafting and Design Technologies, TV and Radio Broadcast, Communication Technologies, 3D Graphics and Animation, Web Development, Digital Media, Work-based Learning and Driver Education.
5) If you could have any job in the world, what would you most like to do?
Some type of guru with a large following, wielding influence and dominion over the political and social order – or, a writer.
6) Describe a typical day in your life.
During the school year, I wake up early so I can get to my classroom about an hour before school starts. Then, I spend the day helping them learn new technology skills. After school, I ride around with 15 and 16 year old beginner drivers, also helping them learn new skills. I return home and fix dinner for my teenage children and then I go teach or take a class myself, depending on the night. Later, I watch the news and a rerun of “That ‘70’s Show” and go to bed.
7) Some people have bumper stickers on their car that reads: I’d Rather be Sailing. What would your bumper sticker read? I’d Rather Be…
…Yodeling
8) Tell us one thing people don’t usually know about you.
I have discovered the meaning of life.
9) In high school, you would have been considered the person most likely to…
…Not be a teacher.
10) What is your favorite Moab activity?
Taking pictures of the amazing scenery.
11) Tell us your favorite non-Moab place to visit.
A beach, anywhere.
12) What do you consider your greatest achievement in life?
My family.
13) If you were President, what’s the first thing you’d do to make life better in America?
I would close all tax loopholes so that everyone pays their fair share of taxes.
14) What superhero power would you most like to have?
Ability to time travel.
15) If you could be an animal, what would it be? Why?
I would be one of those black crows that hang around Moab. It would be fun to fly and you would get free fries from the dumpster at Wendy’s.
16) What is your all time favorite movie?
“Tommy Boy.” I just laugh and laugh.
17) And, your all time favorite book?
This is more difficult – “The Demon Haunted World,” by Sagan for nonfiction, and “Stranger in a Strange Land,” by Heinlein for fiction.
18) If you were stranded on a desert island, which three CDs would you want to have with you?
Meatloaf, “Bat Out of Hell”; Bob Seger, “Greatest Hits Vol. 1”; Pink Floyd, “The Wall.”
19) If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be? Why? Snoop Dogg. I would like to know him better and get his perspective on life. I think he is deeper than most people think.
20) What is your life philosophy?
Do the right things for the right reasons, not for external or eternal rewards.
