Tom Stam

Tom Stam, of Grantsville, Utah passed away on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, just one day after reaching the age of 91 years old. After few years of health conditions, he died peacefully at the Diamond Janes Assisted Living Center, Grantsville, UT.

Tom was born on February 5, 1933 in Santa Monica, California to Emmy Van’t Hoff and James Stam. 

At the age of just 19, Tom proudly joined the United States Coast Guard, where he served for four years attaining the rank of Petty Officer. 

After leaving the Coast Guard, Tom faithfully served a two and half year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Holland.  During is missionary service Tom was reunited with his younger brother Dick, also serving a mission, when the two were assigned to each other as companions for a period of time. 

Upon returning from his mission, Tom was reunited with the love of his life at a church dance, Marjorie Sutton. Their romance immediately resumed, and they were married on February 5,1960 in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Tom and Marge began to start their family in the San Francisco Bay Area, with four wonderful children, Randy, Wendy, Steve, and Gary.  Tom and his siblings lived within a 20 mile radius of their parents, and raised their young families together.

In 1970, Tom and Marge moved their family to Marge’s home town of Grantsville.  They fostered many wonderful friendships and relationships with all they met. Marge and Tom initiated the beginning of the Grantsville Opera House Memorial Theatre. This talented group provided yearly musical productions and kept the town of Grantsville entertained. One of the pleasures they enjoyed were frequent road trips with Dick and Joan Stam, and Mel and Lola (Stam) Payne. He loved telling the stories of their trips to the Cowboy Poetry Festival in Kamas, UT. 

At a young age Tom was introduced to classical music by his mother Emmy who was an accomplished opera singer.  After his mission, Tom and Dick began singing with a friend of theirs Wayne Gilbert, and the three formed a trio called The Linebackers.  This trio sang together for 30 years, entertaining many.  During the construction of the Oakland Temple of the church, they performed a benefit concert, raising over $200,000.00 for it’s construction fund.  Tom also performed for 16 years with the Utah Opera, and 25 years at the Hale Center Theatre in the roles of the Ghost of Christmas Present and Old Joe.  Tom’s favorite role in his musical career was in the musical Fiddler on the Roof, were he consistently was cast as the lead, Tevye.

Tom was a devoted member of his faith, serving in several leadership and teaching positions over the years. His favorite calling was that of husband and father with his family, whom he loved with all his heart.

He is preceded in death by his wife Majorie (Marge) Sutton, his sons Randall James Stam and Stephen Claude Stam, granddaughter Venessa Dawn Stam, his parents, Emmy Van’t Hoff and James Stam, sisters Viola (Lola) Wilhelmina Payne and Matena Bush, and brother Richard (Dick) Stam.

He is survived by his daughter Wendy Stam Saunders, son Gary Lee Stam, 8 Granddaughters, and 5 Great Grandchildren; as well as beloved in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Tom will be remembered as a strong patriarch of his family, and a good friend to all. He was very proud of his posterity, a good father who always took care of his children and did the best he could to teach and guide them, a loving grandfather and “great-grand” father, the absolute joys of his life.

Services for Tom will be held on Monday, February 12, 2024 at the Grantsville LDS Chapel, 428 S. Hale Street, Grantsville, UT at 11:00 AM, with viewing from 10:00 AM – 10:50 AM.  Interment will be immediately following at 429 E. Main, Grantsville, UT.