St. George, Utah – James Russell Stearns, 89, passed away July 9, 2019. He was born October 2, 1929 in Sacramento, California to Lewis Peter and Laura Elizabeth Hill Stearns. He married Beverly Rae Fristoe and they had one son, Jimmy and two daughters, Charline and Jamie. He married Barbara Jean Jackson on March 10, 1990 in San Diego, California.

James grew up in the Modesto area. At a very young age he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served for over 20 years as a cook. He was an executive chef at Cliff View Assisted Living. He also enjoyed working for Diamond Ranch, McDonalds and Jack-in-the-Box.

James was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loved serving with the Boy Scouts of America.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara of St. George; son, Jimmy (Nicole) of St. George; daughter, Jamie Stearns of Longview, WA;  adopted children: Nola Jean Stearns of St. George, Mark Stearns of Nevada, and Amy Stearns of Longview, WA; step-children: Michael Jackson, Vickie Good and Scott Jackson; sisters, Louise Little of Empire, CA and Betty Johnson of Washington State; brothers, David Stearns of Empire, CA and Ben (Coby) Stearns of Modesto, CA; three sisters-in law, Linda Stearns, Shirley Stearns and Iris Stearns; and many grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Charline Earwood; a sister, Jessie; two brothers, Tom and Leonard; and nephews, Eric Stearns mad Scott Stearns.

Funeral services will be held Monday, July 15, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. in the Metcalf Mortuary Chapel, 288 West St. George Blvd., St. George, Utah. A visitation will be held Monday, prior to service, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. at the mortuary.

Graveside Services with Military Honors will be held Friday, July 19, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. in the Lakewood Memorial Park, Hughson, California.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org or your favorite charity.