James "Jim" Bolton

James Floyd "Jim" Bolton was born on November 18, 1957, and passed away unexpectedly on August 19, 2026.

Jim was born to Gene and Maxine Bolton and was the third oldest of seven children. He grew up in Sandy, Utah, where he developed a lifelong love for the great outdoors. As a young man, he enjoyed exploring all that Utah had to offer—from its beautiful mountains and trails to its baseball fields.

Jim married his high school sweetheart, Stacy Smart, in 1976. Together, they welcomed six children in nine years. Their five surviving children are James “Jimmie,” Summer (Russ), Amber (Scott), Lacey (Justin), and Bryton (Jillian).

Stacy’s untimely passing was a devastating loss for Jim. Later, while playing volleyball on a beach in La Jolla, California, he met the woman who would make his heart whole again, Karyn. Following a whirlwind courtship, they married six months later in the Las Vegas Nevada Temple—a fitting halfway point between her home in San Diego, California, and his home in Utah. They then began their life together in Utah.

Jim lovingly stepped into the role of superhero bonus dad and father figure to Karyn’s children: Jacob, Raven (Janet), Derek, and Shiloh (Travis).

Together, Jim and Karyn embraced—and somehow survived—the beautiful chaos of blending a family of nine children. Their family became the source of their greatest blessings, happiest memories, and most unforgettable adventures.

During their 33 wonderful years together, their family grew to include not only nine children, but also 20 amazing grandchildren and five precious great-grandchildren, with one more on the way.

Jim filled his life with adventure. He loved coaching baseball, four-wheeling, camping, hiking, taking road trips, and especially jet skiing—his one true recreational love. A trip to Lake Powell was the ultimate thrill for Jim, where he would instantly become 19 years old again.

Jim also enjoyed a successful 41-year career as a commercial electrician and project manager before retiring in 2019.

There truly wasn’t anything Jim couldn’t fix, build, or figure out. Whether he was tackling a major project, making repairs around the house, or keeping a vehicle running, Jim was the go-to guy. Neighbors, friends, and family knew they could call him, and he would always find a way to get the job done.

And, of course, we cannot forget the priceless “Jimisms”—those unforgettable little sayings that only his family and close friends could fully appreciate. His endless humor and infectious laughter will be deeply missed, but they will continue to echo in our hearts and memories—and probably in more than a few stories that get funnier every time we tell them.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held from 6:30 - 8:00 PM on Friday, September 4, 2026 at Larkin Mortuary - Riverton, 3688 West 12600 South in Riverton, Utah. This will include a viewing, mingle with refreshments and time to share your memories of Jim around 7:00 PM.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at Larkin Mortuary - Riverton, 3688 West 12600 South in Riverton. A viewing will be held prior to services beginning at 10:00 AM. Services will be streamed and recorded via Zoom for those wishing to attend virtually. To watch the services, please click the "Watch Services" link above.