James T. Jensen passed unexpectedly from this life on Sunday, July 21, 2013, at his beloved Rock Creek Ranch on the West Tavaputs Plateau east of Price, Utah. As usual, he was with the love of his life ‚ his wife Klenell.
Jim was born on February 19, 1943, in Price, the second child of Therald (T.N.) and Bonnie Jensen. He spent his youth as he did much of his life ‚ balancing his love of hard work in the outdoors with his passion for learning. He followed his father into business and the law. After graduating from the University of Utah Law School in 1967, Jim practiced with his father in Price, and succeeded him on the Board of Directors of Zions First National Bank, a position he held until his death. He also served on the Boards of Directors of Savage Companies, Western National Trust Company and the Utah Mining Association, the Advisory Board of Wheeler Machinery Company, and with other organizations. He was in his second term as the Chair of the Utah Board of Oil, Gas and Mining. Jim was well known for his wisdom, sound judgment and common sense. He mentored many and was a friend to all.
Jim's passion was ranching and construction with his family. Jim's father started putting together the ranch in 1956, and passed his ideals of hard work and integrity along to his children. Jim and his brother Butch formed TN Ranching Company to carry on their father's legacy. Jim loved their cattle, their land, the ranch and farm employees and, most of all, their equipment ‚ big yellow iron, semi-trucks, John Deere tractors and anything with an engine, as he "liked his horses under the hood." Every spring and fall Jim drove a truck hauling cows from one range to another. Between cattle drives, he graded roads, cleaned ponds and improved buildings. Winters found him cutting trails as he headed to the ranch in his snow cat. Through it all, Jim took a personal interest to make sure the TN Farms were the greenest and most productive.
In 1998, Jim married Klenell Mann Mounteer, and together they enjoyed life to the fullest. They spent their summers restoring the original Rock Creek Ranch house and lodge. They opened their hearts and their ranch to friends and family, asking only that their guests help with a project or two along the way. They loved entertaining, attending Jazz games, eating at local restaurants, and spending time with their many friends.
In 1968, Jim met the Savage brothers ‚ Ken, Neal and Luke ‚ and began a 45 year association. He worked with the brothers, first as their attorney, and then as a trusted counselor, employee, officer and director of their company, through it all as their friend. He stood by their side in tough times and good, helping them grow the company and raise their children. He served as General Counsel until his retirement in 2008. Even then, he continued to work with Savage Companies and served on its Board of Directors until his passing.
Jim loved and was so proud of his family ‚ his brothers Jerry Jensen (Roslyn) and Butch Jensen (Jeanie), his sister Bonnie Lynne Stradling (Joe), his children Jill Jensen Clark (Joseph), Jennifer Jensen Douglass (Jack), Jayme Wailes (Doyle), Nathan Mounteer (Brandy), Jasen Mounteer, Madison Mounteer, and Jorja Jensen, his grandchildren Gabrielle, Sophia, and Makayla, and his nieces and nephews.
We will miss Jim's intelligence, generosity, unique sense of humor, fierce loyalty, all-encompassing warmth, and liberal hugs.
Funeral services celebrating Jim's life and legacy will be held on Friday, July 26, 2013, at noon at the Cottonwood Heights Stake Center, 6890 South 2225 East, Cottonwood Heights, Utah. A viewing will be held on Tuesday, July 23, 2013, from 6:00 ‚ 7:00 p.m. at the Price North LDS Stake Center, 449 North 100 East, Price, Utah. A viewing will also be held on Thursday, July 25, 2013, from 6:00 ‚ 8:00 p.m. at the Cottonwood Heights Stake Center, and on Friday, July 26, 2013, from 10:30 ‚ 11:30 a.m. immediately before his funeral.
