James Martin Paramore

1928 ~ 2022

Obituary Photo for James Martin Paramore < >

Evening Viewing

1160 East Vine Street, Murray, Utah
Mar 25, 2022 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Morning Viewing

1160 East Vine Street, Murray, Utah
Mar 26, 2022 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Funeral Service

1160 East Vine Street, Murray, Utah
Mar 26, 2022 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

James M. Paramore was born in Salt Lake City on May 6, 1928 to James F. and Ruth C. Martin Paramore. He passed away peacefully on March 17, 2022 in Murray, UT at the age of 93, surrounded by family. Jim was the oldest of 5 children: Keith (Norma) Paramore, Gloria Firmage, RuthAnn (Jack) Everson, Dorothy Deaver, and Glen (Trisha) Paramore. He married and was sealed for time and eternity to Helen Heslington on December 7, 1951, in the Salt Lake Temple. She was the love of his life. They recently celebrated their 70th anniversary.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his parents-in-law, one brother (Keith), three brothers-in-law (Brent Uibel, Bob Flygare, and Jack Everson), two sons (Richard and Paul), and one grandson (Erik Plant). Jim is survived by his wife and four children: Jolene Paramore Reif (Gary), David Paramore, Christine Paramore Fielding, and Lisa Paramore Page (Greg). His posterity also includes 13 grandchildren: Brandon, Allison, Erik (deceased), Kiki, Lexie, Sterling, Marcel, Dallin, Lauren, Ryan, Megan, Maddi, and Char. He is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way.

As a young man Jim served in the military just after World War II. He then served a mission in the France Paris Mission for 2 1/2 years which he loved and spoke of often.

Jim was educated at Brigham Young University, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree. His professional career includes approximately eight years in the Engineering Department at the Geneva Steel Corporation, formerly located in Utah County. He worked as a seminary teacher early in his professional career and worked for the State of Utah as the Executive Director for the Committee on Children and Youth. Jim was also employed by Brigham Young University in their Development Department and was an important part of that vital, expanding university. He also served as a member of the Orem City Council when Orem was still a young and growing community.

Jim and Helen were called to lead the Franco-Belgian Mission from 1966 to 1969. This included moving their large, young family to Brussels, Belgium. He was a very young mission president at the age of 38. He and Helen arrived in Brussels with five children ranging in age from 3 to 13. Their sixth child was born in Brussels six weeks after they arrived. They truly loved all the missionaries they served with, and they spoke often of the wonderful experiences they shared.

Jim was later appointed as the secretary to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, where he worked closely with President Spencer W. Kimball. He was later called to serve as a Regional Representative and General Authority Seventy from 1977 to 1998. He also served in the Presidency of the Seventy for several years. His assignments at the Church Office Building included executive director roles in the Missionary, Audio Visual, and Internal Communications Departments. He loved all with whom he served.

One of his favorite aspects of his Church responsibilities was to meet with leaders and members of the Church throughout the world. Upon returning home from these assignments, he always talked about how much he loved being with the people.

Following his service as a General Authority, Jim and Helen were called to serve as the leaders of the Church Family History Mission from 1999 to 2002.

Personal activities that Jim loved throughout his life included all activities in the water: boating, fishing, swimming, the beach, and most importantly, time spent with his wife and children on those activities. No year was ever complete in the Paramore household without the annual summer trip to Southern California for beach fun, Disneyland, and the dreaded trek to get there with eight or more packed in the car and no air conditioning. He enjoyed attending BYU games, having a soft spot in his heart for BYU sports after having been a cheerleader there during his college years.
Jim was a well-rounded and accomplished man who will continue to be loved and missed by his family and friends.

All services will be held at the Little Cottonwood 9th Ward chapel located at 1160 East Vine St. (5900 S.) in Murray. Viewings will be held on Friday, March 25, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 26, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Funeral Services will follow at the same location at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at the Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, Utah following services.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Alzheimer’s Association or The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Utah Chapter.

For those who would like view the recorded services, you may do so by clicking the "Watch Services" button at the top of the obituary.


Guestbook/Condolences

On behalf of the Larsen family, please accept our most sincere condolences at the loss of Brother Paramore. In 1981 he was serving as a General Authority in Europe. He and his wife visited my father, D. Birch Larsen, who was mission president in the Spain, Barcelona mission. My Dad appreciated working with Elder Paramore as they worked towards organizing the first stake in Barcelona. He touched the lives of many.

--Tom Larsen


- Tom Larsen

Dear Helen and Family,
Our hearts are broken for your and our loss, yet we also know that President Paramore is now free of the mortal bonds that held him back these past few years. Thank you all so much for how you have shared him and yourselves with all of us Franco-Belgian missionaries these past 55 years. As our mission president's family in concert with the great man of God he was you have changed countless lives - ours included. He will live on in our hearts, minds, and testimonies and most especially, in the ways we conduct our lives. May you feel much joy, peace and love through these coming days and weeks. With the utmost love, respect and tender wishes. Jerry and Alta


- Jerry and Alta Jaccard

Sister Paramore and family, as one of your Franco-Belgian missionaries, I want to express my deep and sincere condolences on President's passing. He was "my" mission president who set the tone for the rest of my life. He had faith in me and it showed throughout my mission. My wife and I are currently serving our 5th senior mission together. I will look forward to seeing him again and thanking him for all he did during my years in the Franco-Belgian Mission. I'm grateful for Zoom so I can participate in the services from a distance. We love you.


- Larry L. Larson

Dear Sister Paramore, no one ever blessed our lives like President Paramore and his lovely wife. We are eternally grateful for your influence—from kindness to patience to example to wise counsel to the pure love of Christ that encouraged and inspired and re-directed a young missionary who needed all of those things. Your smiles are emblazoned in our minds and hearts. May the Lord bless you abundantly in the coming days until you are reunited forever. We love you!


- Kent and Barbara Murdock

Dear Sister Paramore
I have not know how to contact you for several years. I have tried to call several time without success. I say this to let you know how important you have been to my life. You and President Paramore help me set a course for my life. I have tried everyday to live up to your faith in me that I learn will I was a missionary under your leadership and stewardship. You have been a standard by which I have lived my life.
I am eternally grateful to you. I wish I could be there to personally express my love.

May God be with you and your family. May the love of all you missionaries help sustain you.
Until we meet again
Love you
Rick Melchin


- richard melchin

Dear Helen and family, - so saddened to learn of Brother Paramore's passing. He was a wonderful man, and you know, Helen, how much you are both loved and appreciated by myself and Stan as neighbors, friends, and Church associates. We have many good memories of your friendship and wonderful services to us and our associations as families.


- Mary Ellen Porter

Warmest thoughts and prayers for your comfort Helen and your eternal family circle.

We send our forever love, admiration, and gratitude,

Gregory & Candilyn Newell and family


- Gregory & Candilyn Newell

Dear Sister Paramore and Family, while I am saddened by the loss of our dear President, I am still grateful for the way he touched my life with kindness and sincere love. I am certain that his legacy will live on in the countless lives he has touched and, most especially, those of his missionaries in the Franco-Belgian Mission. I was fortunate to witness first hand the love he had for all of us as he sought the best ways to bless our lives. May our love and the love of God bring you peace in this time of great sorrow for you and your family. May we all enjoy a glorious reunion when we are all free from the sorrows of mortal life. Please accept the expression of my most sincere and tender wishes.

Richard Kearsley


- Richard Kearsley

Sister Paramore & family,
I'm sad to hear of Pres. Paramore's passing, I have great memories of him. I hold dear the memories of living in the old mission home with your family and all of us. Watching you and President was a great example for me and the way Mary & I raised our seven sons. I use many of the lessons learned from you both in my life today. Once, during that time, President asked me what I was planning to do for life's vocation. I told him I had no idea at that time. He made a suggestion to me as to a direction to go. That is the vocation I chose for my life and have enjoyed every day I taught and coached. I will miss him, but my heart is full of memories of you all.


- Dennis and Mary Martin

Dear Helen, You two have been amazing examples of inspiration to both of us. We express to you our love and sincere condolences. Our lives were never the same after we crossed paths with you two as our mission leaders in France and Belgium in 1966-1967. We have enjoyed tremendously our subsequent contacts over the years, including just weeks ago. And to know that our mission president was our "matchmaker" has been a source of constant inspiration. Here we are nearly 54 years later, happily married. Although we never worked in the same cities simultaneously, President Paramore put a bug in our respective ears in exit interviews upon our releases a few months apart. We kid one another that we have never (thankfully) been released from that "transfer." It was he who ordained Dave as a bishop in 1980 as the visiting general authority. You and two of your children were present and came to our home briefly following the church services in which Elder Paramore also dedicated our new chapel. Prior to that it was, ironically, your dear husband who connected Dave with the person who hired him in California and became his mentor in the field of city management. And there have been numerous other touchpoints along the way, too numerous to mention. Your combined positive influence has been felt significantly in multiple regions of the world. We love you both and are grateful for your friendship, influence, and guidance. Que Dieu te benisse pour toujours. Fondly, Dave and Carol


- David and Carol Harris

I was saddened to hear of the passing of such a wonderful man. He was always so kind, forgiving and, understanding. He led by example and inspired so many of the missionaries that served under him. He has been called home to what I am sure can only be described as a wonderful reunion with family and other faithful servants. As we all know, he has gone to a far, far better place.


- Clifford Carlisle

Dear Helen and family,

Our deepest love and prayers are with all of you right now. Uncle Jim was a wonderful man and he leaves a legacy of love and service; a life well lived. He will be with you and all of us in our hearts and memories forever.

Our love to you,
Zina, Bruce and Gloria and Firmage family


- Zina And Bruce Lewis, Gloria Firmage

My love to you, Helen and family at this especially tender time. You are the dearest couple I know and I’ve known quite a few.. but you are the top! Loved serving only two months in the Franco Belgian Mission with you.. but through reunions .. it’s been such a joy to get better acquainted. Jim was supposed to marry one of the kids, and he was so gracious to come to our breakfast .. a very delightful memory!! Truly you two have provided such an exemplary example of love that will serve as your legacy! My condolences to you and your family,. Sandy Hough Heslop


- Sandy Heslop

Dear Sister Helen Paramore and family,
I just want to add my heartfelt sympathy to you at the passing of your husband and father, James M. Paramore. He was a very spiritual man who blessed the lives of many people . It was a great privilege to . serve under him as a missionary and learn life lessons of love and service from him and you. Your influence will never be forgotten by me as I have tried to follow your example and teachings to bless me and my own family. I am so thankful for being touched by your lives.
May the Spirit comfort and bless you with peace now and in the future days.
Love and Prayers,
Carolyn Zaugg Perkins and Timothy Perkins


- Carolyn Zaugg Perkins

Dear Sister Paramore ("par amour") and family,
Although I've lost contact with most of my Franco-Belgian companions (1964-67), you have always seemed close due to President Paramore's and your constant service in the limelight throughout the Church. I especially enjoyed our personal time together following the Frankfurt, Germany Temple dedication. I was honored to be assigned to Liege, Belgium, knowing that it was one of President's favorite assignments during his first mission. Thanks to his example as an Army veteran, I chose to also serve. He has always been my role model for dedicated, missionary service. Please receive my deepest love and condolences at this time of sorrow for the loss of such a great man.


- CRAIG C CHENEY

Sister Paramore and family,
I am very sorry to read of the passing of Brother Paramore. He is a friend from long ago in the Orem 14th Ward. He was my Bishop, ordained me a Priest, presented my Eagle Badge to me, and spoke at my missionary farewell. He had a huge influence in getting my parents to come back to church activity. I loved him like a father! God bless you at this difficult time. I’m sorry that I can’t be with you at the services. With love in the gospel.
Gary K LeeMaster


- Gary K LeeMaster

Dear Sister Paramore and Colleagues:

I'm sorry to hear about the passing of President Paramore, but joyed that he lived such a long and fruitful life and was an inspiring influence for many people, including me. My mission in France and Belgium was more than a half-century ago, but the positive love and support I received from President Paramore and his dear wife will be everlasting. Please accept my love and highest regards for such a great man!


- Jess Brent Whiting

My thoughts and prayers are with you sister Paramore and family, my sincere sympathies
I have good memories of President Paramore, he was truly a man of God, I remember our conferences in Charleroi, he said where ever in the world some one searching for The true gospel he will find it, I’m the recipient of that with my mother sister Brunet, when he open the city of Amiens France in 1966 I remember seeing him in the elevator at the Joseph Smith building at that time family history mission President and I was working there, good memories, he knew so may peoples but never forget them. May the Lord with his love comfort you sister Helen and children, Claudine


- Claudine LeFevre


Dear friends,
I don't really realize things but I would like to express a form of recognition on the part of France or at least on the part of a little Frenchman.
James Martin PARAMORE is one of those people who came from America and who loved us.
Others like President WHITE, or like President ANDERSEN, or even before, the Presidents WOOLF (President Golden Legrand WOOLF and Son), have always shown us their affection.
Among them, the name of Elder PARAMORE still resonates like an echo.
Why ?
Certainly because he also liked a job well done and because he was a nice man, because it was an era (the repercussions of the Second World War).
Beyond all kinds of reasons, because he was a man of God.
But You will see, with the precipitation of events the names of all these Heroes will come back as those who worked and helped to edify our souls and restore the truth.

As a boy, I have always been impressed by American missionaries. At that time, they knew how to do everything.
At 11, I was baptized by Elder BALDWIN, but I don't know what happened to him.

Here, I would like to express my sincere condolences to His wife and his family, who by their sacrifices, are also Heroes.

Michel (FRANCE - LE MANS : ville de la course des 24 heures du Mans)


- Michel Jean-Marie RAMON

Sister Paramore and family: Paula and I extend our deepest sympathy on the passing of President Paramore. As with countless other missionaries who served under your leadership, I cannot begin to express the impact both of you had on my life. As my late parents could have attested to, when I returned home from my mission, I continually spoke of my Mission President and wanted to be just like him when "I grew up." I particularly cherish the days I served in the Mission Home when I had almost daily contact with your family. I am sure that all of your missionaries had their testimonies strengthened by your example as did the many members and non-members alike that you served in France and Belgium. All our love to you. David and Paula Lowry


- David and Paula Lowry

Dear Paramore family,
I only served under President Paramore for 3 weeks, but what an impression he made on my life. I still remember the heart-felt welcome, the arrival interview and President Paramore’s penetrating eyes as he asked me to share my testimony and favorite scripture, and then received his words of counsel as he told me he was sending me to one of his favorite cities - Nancy, France. From slides given to me by a companion, I learned more about your family and felt I was “at home.” Thank you, Sister Paramore, for your recipe booklet that gave me confidence to eat well as a missionary. My love to each of you.
Rob Ellis (Woods Cross, Ut)


- Robert J. Ellis

I have wonderful memories of Pres Paramore (and his family) during my mission in the Franco-Belgium Mission. His guidance was always inspiring and helpful. Currently living in east Tennessee, I was only able to see him after my mission at a Stake Presidency meeting many years ago (I believe it was in Knoxville in the early 90s, but not sure). May his family be blessed knowing with absurdness that they will be united again with him in a more permanent situation. Thanks for sharing him during those three years of service.


- Michael B. Mills

Sister Paramore and family—our deepest
Condolences and Love to you at this moment. President Paramore was a special servant of the Lord. He was so blessed to have you at his side Sister Paramore. I know how critical wives are for assistance in priesthood assignments
Over the years I have thanked the Lord uncountable times to have had you two play such an important part of my life What a blessing to have been a Franco Belgian Missionary under your stewardship. Thank you from the bottom of my heart . He was special—will always be. I look forward to the day to share once and his love, kindness and friendship .


- Allan and Nancy Pratt

Dear Sister Paramore and Family,
You were all an immense influence in my life. I came into the mission field a few months after your arrival and left just a few months before you left, so I was blessed to have you as my leaders and examples for my entire mission field experience. It's impossible to explain the influence that you have had on me, my marriage, my family, and what I've done in my life. About 25 years ago, President Paramore visited our stake and stayed with us in our home during that weekend. He claimed all of my children as his spiritual grandchildren, hugged my mother and apologized for keeping me on my mission a little longer than usual (I was a slow learner). He was an inspiration and a joy to be around. I look forward to meeting him again one day and having another interview. I remember with fondness my last few months in the mission home giving rides to your children to school, playing with the "Brussels Sprout", and doing some missionary work with Richard. It was like being with my family and being on a mission at the same time. Love, Terry


- Terrence C. Smith

Sister Paramore and family:
We love this incredible servant of the Lord!
We shall forever be grateful for the privilege of serving with you both in the FCH mission presidency.
We cherish the example of love and encouragement you planted in our hearts through your service.
Our dearest love and condolence at this time of brief parting.
Love,
Loren and Dorothy Sayer


- Loren and Dorothy Sayer

My dear Helen and family, I remember the first time I every meet the President. I was a young 19 year old who had just received his mission call to a place called Franco-Belgium. I originally thought it must be in Africa. It was a Saturday afternoon and I was checking groceries at Halladay Market in Provo and in walked a nice gentleman who said, "I am looking for Elder Halladay." I said I must be the person he was looking for. He shook my hand and held on to it and looked me in the eye and said, "I am President Paramore your new Mission President and we are going to have a great time together!" And we did have a great time--a time never to be forgotten, "our time in the sun" as the President was fond of saying. I am so grateful for you, Helen, and Jim for the many wonderful memories and experiences seared into my soul by the Holy Ghost that we all shared. Know how much we love you and will pray for your comfort. Thank you for your great examples in my life.


- Reed and Chris Halladay

As my daughter was having her wedding at the same time as the funeral for present Paramore we were unable to attend. Please send my condolences to the family and pray the Spirit will comfort them in their loss. I will miss President Paramore greatly as he had a profound effect for good on me and on my mission. Elder Michel Towers.


- Michel Towers

Thank you Paramore family for changing my life. Sincerely, DHeaston


- Dennis K. Heaston

President and Sister Paramore were so kind, spiritual and compassionate. They were outstanding leaders of our great mission! I loved, respected and admired them both. I send love and Sincere Best Wishes to Sister Paramore at the loss of her dear companion of so many years. I am grateful for the teachings of the gospel teaching us that they will be united in the eternities. Roger Madsen


- Roger Madsen

Sister Paramore,

I want to send you my fondest wishes at this time of loss. I had surgery two days before the funeral and so was unable to attend. You two were pivotal in the development of my life, for which I shall be eternally grateful. My wife and I wish you our very best and extend our love and warmest regards.


- Byron Merrill

I was always glad to be able to tell someone that he was my Mission President. He was a great example to me.


- Wayne L Boldt Jr

I would like to express my sympathy and condolences to Helen and the Paramore family on the passing of James Paramore. I served as a missionary in the Franco-Belgian Mission while President Paramore presided over the mission. I was a convert to the church of only a year when I arrived in the mission. I found President Paramore to be a wonderful example of Christ-like love and service and of total commitment to the Gospel. I have many fond memories of my mission experience and of my association with the Paramore family during that time. My wife Pamela, and send our warmest regards. May God bless and comfort all of you.


- Jefferson D. BARDIN