Stephen James Tolman entered this world on July 25, 1995. He was born in Salmon, Idaho to his excited parents Steve and Sheryl Tolman. Aunt Krista and Nana were there to greet him along with his Tolman grandparents and Uncle Tom. Just 13 months later, James was excited to welcome a sister, Emily, and they spent their childhood as the best of friends. Before long, more siblings entered the picture and he loved being the oldest sibling. James was part of a large family and an even larger extended family. James especially loved opportunities to spend time with far-away cousins. He had many fond memories of cousins camp, family reunions and family visits. He enjoyed time on the ranch, floating the river, and every opportunity to be with loved ones. His favorite people were his family!
James moved to the small town of Meridian, Idaho as an infant. The town grew even faster than he did. He always loved visiting Salmon and spent a couple of summers assisting on the ranch, house-sitting, and helping others with odd jobs. He was a small town boy at heart.
James had a kind heart. James had a contagious smile and loved to share jokes when he was younger. James was quick to smile and show kindness to all he met. He was found sharing things with those less fortunate, like giving the nachos his caregiver just bought for him with a guy sitting on the street, down on his luck. He also shared his precious string cheese with the stranger brought to his home who had just lost his place to live, as well as his candy and love with those around him. He had a love for all of God’s creations including animals and shared his food and love with them as well.
James had definite interests, his first love was trains, later Tony Hawk and skateboarding, paintballs, the constitution, and all things hunting and self defense. His dream was to go alligator hunting in Florida. James loved the outdoors.
James earned the rank of Eagle Scout shortly after graduating high school. For his Eagle project, he collected over 1,000 pounds of food for the food bank. He went on to serve as a faithful assistant cub master in a local cub scout pack.
Along with scouts, James enjoyed participating in flag football in his youth and cross country, church youth group, the culinary arts program and FFA during his teen years. He was blessed to have great coaches, teachers, and leaders.
James had a great faith, trust, and love of God. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Shortly before his death, he shared 3 scriptures: Matthew 19:26, Mark 10:27, and Luke 18:27 which remind us with God all things are possible.
James loved celebrating the holidays, Christmas seemed to be his favorite and in his youth, he would choose the role of an angel as we acted out the nativity story. We treasure spending his last Christmas with him.
James will be missed by the many family and friends that survive him, including his parents, 8 younger siblings, his maternal grandparents and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
We believe he was greeted after his passing by his Tolman grandparents, uncles and other family members and friends who preceded him in death and will find healing and rest through our Savior Jesus Christ.
We would like to thank all who shared kindness with James and welcomed him into their lives. We want to thank the many teachers, leaders, friends, staff, other professionals & advocates, and family who brightened his days. We especially want to thank his aunt, who as his guardian, was one of his greatest advocates who dedicated so much time, energy, and love trying to help James reach his goals.
In lieu of flowers, you could make a donation to the Humanitarian Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, your local food bank, or favorite charity. Consider sharing a smile, a bit of friendship, a kind word or act of kindness. Include those who may seem different. Encourage more than criticize. Treasure each day with loved ones. These are positive ways to honor James.
A funeral service will be held on December 27, 2021 at 11:00 am with a visitation held one hour prior to the service at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 4505 North Linder Road Meridian, Idaho. Condolences may be left for the family at www.bowmanfuneral.com
To watch the livestream of the service please go to the following link https://my.gather.app/remember/james-tolman-2021