James Vernon Hope

James Vernon Hope, 54, passed away on Thursday August 1, 2024 in Murray, Utah. James was born March 3rd 1970 in Logan, UT to Claine and Sherry Cole Hope. He spent his early years in Layton, Utah surrounded by aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. He loved electric trains and reading, chocolate and history, especially World War II history, not necessarily in that order. 

James lived in Sunset, Utah until he was 23. He moved to Jackson Hole where he worked as a chef in some of the best restaurants, like the Wort Hotel, in the city. James loved to show off his “Chef Skills” by making the best soups ever and could do amazing things with leftovers. He was so proud of what he accomplished as a chef. He loved his Oakland Raiders and was looking forward to the new season.

He could memorize crazy amounts of data about WWII history. He could tell you about how many men were in each military unit for both the Allies and the Axis powers, and he seemed to know the most obscure facts about each.

James had a wicked, dry sense of humor. He called convenience stores “crap stores” because that’s what they had. He was a voracious reader, like the rest of the family. 

James passed away after a short illness on August 1, 2024. He is survived by an older brother, Larry (Debbie), 2 sisters, Michelle & Kelli, and his nephew Jason.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 12:00 noon at Webb Funeral Home in Preston, Idaho. A viewing will be held Wednesday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Weston Cemetery in Weston, Idaho.