July 16, 1939 — April 22, 2025
James (Jim) Hobbs Widdison passed away at home, in the town of Castleton on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at the age of 85. James was born in Ogden on July 16, 1939, to Howard and Lorell Hobbs Widdison.
He graduated from Weber High School in 1957. In 1960, he joined the Air Force and was honorably discharged due to a health condition. He was a top notch mechanic and worked in the auto industry. In 1974, he started working at the Southern Pacific Railroad as a mechanic where he retired, making many lifetime friends along the way.
His hobbies included fast cars, drag racing old Ford Broncos, and his family. In 1958, he became a
member of the “Stagg’s Car Club,” where he raced the 1940 Ford coupe. He was also a member of his brother’s pit crew “Widdison Racing Sports,” “Utah Charger” and “Battle Star.” He knew how to build and rebuild an engine like the back of his hand. He loved cars and racing and could talk about them to anyone.
After moving to Moab in the early ‘90s, his new passion became old Ford Broncos, especially his 1972. He was a member of RedRock 4-Wheelers and a Tail Gunner during Jeep Safari — a family tradition his children and grandchildren will forever cherish.
Survived by the love of his life, Mary Ann Widdison; daughters, Karen (David) Brandon, Sheila
Christensen (Trent), Brenda Widdison (Kevin: Deceased); stepchildren, Kelly Durham (Kim), Prichett
Kerby (Mike), David Durham (Dawn), Brandy Gritts (Mingo); 22 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Howard and Lorell Widdison; brother, Kent Widdison; son, Kevin James Widdison; and grandsons, James Tanner Jones and Cameron Burke Tice.
The service will be held at the Spanish Valley Mortuary (386 N 100 W, Moab) on Saturday, May 3 at 10 a.m. A viewing will be held at 9:30 a.m. preceding the service. Interment will directly follow at 893 E. Castleton Road. A luncheon will be provided by the caring hands of the Relief Society at 1 p.m. at the LDS Church in Castle Valley, Utah.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made via Venmo to Brandy Gritts, or mailed to Mary Ann Widdison at: HC 64 Box 1713, Castle Valley, Utah, 84532.
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