Connie Mae James Gustin passed away on Thursday, November 17, 2016 in Murray, Utah, after a long and courageous battle with Muscular Dystrophy. She was born August 4, 1950 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Edith Timmons and Alvin Boyd James.
Connie attended Skyline High school and she was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Connie was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy as a child and was not given much hope for longevity ‚ did she prove them wrong! She was affiliated with the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Utah. Competing for Miss Wheelchair Utah in 1987, she received the title for Miss Fashionable. She also kept close tabs on the fight to cure the disease and gained many online friends in the process.
Connie was a fun loving, wild child. She embraced life to the fullest and then some! She enjoyed crafts, Facebook, family, friends, vacations, adventures to Wendover, country music, and Trace Adkins.
She was blessed with a beautiful smile to share with everyone!
Connie is survived by her wonderful sister-in-law Kathie James, nephew Tommy James, niece Kami (Scott) Buchanon, grand-nieces; Bella, Baleigh, and Bridgett Buchanan, and her best friend/cousin LuAnn James Halliday (aka Lewis) along with many close friends, relatives, and medical staff whom she loved dearly. Proceeded in death by her parents, brother, Tom James, and grandparents Alvin and Mary James.
A viewing will be held at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, on Friday, November 25, 2016 from 10:30 ‚ 11:45 AM with a funeral service at 12 noon. Due to the holiday hours, interment will be on Saturday, November 26th at 11:30 AM at Salt Lake City Cemetery.
Special thanks to all the staff at Paramount Rehabilitation Center. Connie was blessed to be in their care for the last 3 months of her life. A special note of appreciation to Alan, Morgan, Robyn, Mischante, Jamie, John, Cassandra, and Misty. Also Debi with Bristol Hospice.
It is with deep gratitude for the dedication, love and support Connie was given the last few years of her life by Kathie and LuAnn. Connie will be deeply missed.
