James Ashby Maughan

James "Jim" Ashby Maughan passed away peacefully on September 2, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah surrounded by those he loved.

Jim was born July 20, 1945, in Caldwell, Idaho to Cortley Maughan and Wanda Ashby Maughan. He grew up to live a life filled with faith, family, service, hard work, and more than a little adventure.

On April 17, 1969, Jim married the love of his life, Judith "Judy" Ann Roothoff. Together, Jim and Judy built a beautiful life and family. They were blessed with nine children, 24 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren, with another great-grandchild on the way. Few things brought Jim greater joy than his family.

Jim loved his country and was deeply patriotic. He proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. His love for his country and appreciation for the freedoms he had served to protect remained important to him throughout his life.

Jim was a man of many talents with a love for adventure and a willingness to try just about anything. In his younger years, he enjoyed skydiving, jumping out of airplanes with nothing but a parachute strapped to his back. His adventurous spirit continued through the years, and he proudly held the family record for riding Lagoon's "Colossus: The Fire Dragon" the most times in a row.

Jim also loved to cook, draw, and watercolor and was especially gifted at woodworking and carving, creating beautiful pieces with his hands. But one of the places where Jim was truly happiest was in his garden. He will always be remembered for his amazing garden, fruit trees, and berry bushes.

Professionally, Jim worked as a design draftsman for several engineering firms throughout the Salt Lake area. He was also the first president of the Intermountain Chapter of the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE), an accomplishment that reflected his dedication to his profession and his willingness to serve and lead.

Jim was an active and devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His faith was an important part of his life, and he willingly gave his time and talents in service to others, including serving in a bishopric, on the high council, and as a Young Men leader. Jim especially loved Scouting and the opportunity it gave him to work with and mentor young men. He spent many years serving as a Scout leader and found great joy in the experiences, adventures, and relationships that came through Scouting.

Above all else, Jim will be remembered for the life he built with Judy and the family they created together. His influence can be seen in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and in the many people whose lives were touched by his service, example, talents, and faith.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Judy Maughan; his children, Cortley Maughan, Lori Maughan, Vicki (Jeremiah) Smythe, Chantil Maughan, Marianne (Rodney) Walker, Danny Maughan, Shelley (Alan) Richmond, and Alex (Andrea) Maughan; as well as his 24 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Michelle Maughan; his parents, Cortley and Wanda Maughan; his parents-in-law, Dirk and Aileen Roothoff; his brothers, Cortley Eugene, (Robert) Bob, and Dan Maughan; and his sister, Myrle Maughan.

Jim leaves behind a family who will deeply miss him and carry forward his legacy of faith, family, service, and adventure. Of all the things Jim built and created throughout his life, the greatest was the family he loved so dearly.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the William E. Christoffersen Salt Lake Veterans Home for the exceptional care and compassion they provided Jim during the last year of his life. Their kindness, dedication, and support meant so much to Jim and his family.

Funeral Services

A viewing will be held Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah.

A viewing will also be held Friday, September 11, 2026, from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m., prior to the funeral service.

Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026, at the ward house located at 950 West 1100 North, North Salt Lake, Utah.