Bernie James Webster

Bernie James (Jim) Webster, Sr., Hashtl’ishnii born for Tódich’ii’nii, 86 years old, of Farmington, NM passed away March 13, 2025. He was born in Fort Defiance, AZ. He graduated from Riverside Indian School in Anadarko, OK where he met his sweetheart Stella Phoenix (Webster). He earned a certificate in drafting from Haskell Institute in Lawrence, KS. He served his country in the 101st Airborne Division, U.S. Army, Fort Campbell, KY where he earned his paratrooper Jump Wings. He began his career with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Western Agency, in Tuba City, AZ. He later transferred to the Bureau of Reclamation Office, in Farmington, NM where he served as a civil engineer technician on the Navajo Indian Irrigation Project. He retired from that office in 1997 with an exemplary service record. He was a lifelong athlete. He played basketball and football, and competed in track, swimming, shuffleboard, bowling, archery, air rifle, and karate. He regularly competed in the Senior Olympics and qualified all the way to the National Senior Games. He loved his family, music, movies, traveling, and his church where he served in the congregation and the synod.

He is survived by his loving wife Stella, son Bruce J. Webster, sister Christine Gonzales, grandsons James L. Webster and Robert M. Frizzell, and granddaughter Tricia A. Frizzell. He will be missed by many cousins, aunts, nieces and nephews and significant loved ones.

He is preceded in death by his parents Opal and James Kenneth Webster, Sr., son Bernie J. Webster, Jr., and sisters Ingrid W. Jefferson and Fannie (Melba) Yazzie.

A viewing will be held on March 18th from 4 to 6 p.m. at Cope Memorial Chapel, 404 W. Arrington St., Farmington, NM. A celebration of life service and reception will be held on March 22nd at 1 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 865 N. Dustin Ave. Farmington, NM. Reverend Doctor James Klotz will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to First Presbyterian Church in memoriam of Bernie James Webster, Sr.