James (Jim, Jimmy, Jimbo) Douglas Appleton, 56, of American Fork, UT lost his battle with alcoholism and depression on December 7, 2025, He will be greatly missed by not only his family, but by all the people whose lives he touched and those he friended.

Jim was born on May 16, 1969, to David Appleton and Pamela Lowry Appleton in Lansing, Ml. He was the second of 8 children. He had friends every day growing up and loved his brothers and sisters. He cherished the memories he had and would share stories of his growing up years and his life, which was not always easy.

Jim met Patricia "Patty" Kauffman, the love of his life, in July of 1985. They had their first child, Jeanette, in October 1986. They were married at the young age of 17 on January 10, 1987, in Orem, UT. They did break up in 2023 but came back togetherthis year and were working on making things work better this time. Sadly, their time was cut short.

The thing they shared and loved more than anything in the world are the children they created together: Jeanette, Jessica, and Clinton. He made mistakes, but he truly loved his children more than anything and he always will. They saved him and were his light more than he let them know. He enjoyed teaching them and letting them know that he wanted them to be more than he was and have a better life than he had. He learned more from them than they ever did from him. They were precious to him.

The other precious and adored "loves" of Jim's life were his (almost) 12 grandchildren. He adored each and every one of them. He met almost each one shortly after they had taken their first breath, and he was instantly wrapped. Each one of them wrapped him in their own unique way, and they all had their own mansion in his heart. His oldest grandchild, Danny, gave him the coveted title of PAPA. He would see Jim and would say pah, pah, pah, pah until Jim would pick him up. This eventually morphed into PAPA -The Man, The Myth, The Legend. They adored him as much as he adored them.

Jim had the ability to make friends wherever he went. Even through hard times of depression, he would shine his light to make others feel safe and loved as he didn't always feel that within himself. He gave more than he ever believed he could.

Jim was a good man with a huge heart. He loved his tribe, his family and cherished the times he got to spend with them whether it was a family dinner with everyone sitting around the table, out fishing and camping or a simple phone call. He was also grateful for the people whose lives he was part of, even if it was only for a short moment.

Jim is survived by his wife and love, Patricia Appleton, his daughter Jeanette Dalton and her life-mate Derek Doyle; daughter Jessica Woodall and her husband Jeff; son Clinton Appleton and his life-mate Ma Kenna McClellan; his adored grandchildren: Danny, Rocky, and Tommy Powell; Amelia and Paula Mineer; Richter and Tristidee Dalton, Hendrix Doyle, who he got to meet when he crossed the veil; LilaGrace McClellan; Evelynne Appleton; Imogene Baker; Julien Torres, and Jeffrey Jr and Brandon Woodall; parents: David Appleton and Pamela Appleton; brothers and sisters: Joseph and Amy Appleton; Shera and Blaine Hawkes; Michael and Amy Appleton; Melanie Appleton: Jennifer and Joshua Gates; Richard Appleton; and Robert Appleton and his life-mate Laura Peterson; brother-in law David Kauffman and wife Erin; brother-in-law Alex Kauffman; brother-in-law Tom Kauffman and wife Terri; and sister-in-law Sonya Hardiek and husband Josh Hardiek along with scores of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents George and Dorothy Appleton; grandparents Sheldon and Gloria Lowry; stepmom, Mama Jo Appleton; father-in-law Harry Kauffman; mother-in-law Roberta Leslie; and sister-in-law Joyce Powell.

A Celebration of Life is being held for Jim on Friday, December 12, 2025, at Walker-Sanderson Funeral Home located at 85 E 300 S, Provo, UT from 1:30-3:30. Please join the family and share your memories of him.

As Joyce used to say- Stay Golden. As Jim would say- Don't tell me what to do.

Spread your wings and FLY HIGH, JIM!! Find your peace.

If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health issues or are having thoughts of suicide, DO NOT WAIT! Contact someone immediately. There are resources available: call, text, or chat the 988 Hotline -contacting is free and confidential. You will be connected with someone who could help save yours or someone else's life. Just dial or text 988.