James Winston Hallsey passed away unexpectedly on March 11, 2023, in Sandy, Utah. Jim was born on October 31, 1942, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to James F. Hallsey and Ruth I. Hallsey. He was the greatest man we ever knew.
Jim married his sweetheart, Edna Jackalyn Molema, on April 13, 1963, in Lehi, Utah, and considered his family his greatest achievement. He was many things in his life – a successful businessman, adventurer, athlete, avid reader, aspiring archaeologist, and explorer, but most of all, he was our hero. He taught us how to work, how to love unconditionally, and how to care for those that were less fortunate.
Jim worked for Smith’s Food and Drug Centers his entire adult life, starting as a delivery driver and retiring 50 years later as President and CEO. He loved to work but loved the people he worked with even more. He taught us that your word is all you have, and you must protect it at all costs.
Jim hiked whatever mountain or hill he could find, from the red rocks of southern Utah to the base camp of Mount Everest. He loved adventure and being outdoors and had a thirst for learning about people and places that couldn’t be quenched. When not hiking, Jim could be found somewhere between the first and eighteenth hole at Entrada Golf and Country Club in St. George, Utah.
Jim possessed incredible willpower and believed in setting, reviewing, and achieving goals daily. He was loyal and strong. He was the guy you wanted on your team that would lead you through the worst of it with a level head and uncanny calm.
Jim taught us to love a clean car and the beauty of a fast one. If there ever was a man that could exhibit humility while driving a new Ferrari, it was Jim. His shirt and tie were coming off as he crossed the threshold to his home in favor of an old pair of shorts and a t-shirt with holes.
Jim gave selflessly and served on the Board of Directors at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. After the passing of his grandson to a rare brain tumor, he donated his time and money to advance critical research to spare other children and their families from the same fate.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Ruth Hallsey, sisters Joan Cahoon and Colleen Saxton, and grandson, Tyler Hallsey. He is survived by his wife, Edna; his children, Holly (Norm) Mitchell, Steven (Cindy) Hallsey, and Christopher (Kathleen) Hallsey; his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his brother, Steve (Debbie) Hallsey, and sister, Connie (David) Rasband.
At Jim’s request, there will be no funeral or memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Whatever It Takes, The Tyler Hallsey Foundation, to support childhood cancer research (https://www.tylerhallseyfoundation.com/).
Jim was many things, but mostly he was our hero.
Our hearts are with you. Greg and Danette williams
Dear Edna, Holly, Steve and Christopher,
I was so sorry to hear of Jim’s death and hope you know how much he and all of you mean to me and our family. You are dear friends and have made such a difference in my life. You are some of the best people I know. I am sending my love, support and prayers your way. I hope you will feel comforted and cared for during this time.
We were deeply saddened by the news of the passing of this great man. He was a very well respected leader and friend. I remember one morning around 7:30am he popped into my store in Idaho Falls and said “let’s go for a ride”.Scared the heck out of me and I thought my career had ended, but he just wanted to go visit our competitors. I learned more that morning than any other time during my career with Smith’s. We talked and talked. It was like talking to my best friend. I will miss him.
Aunt Edna and Family,
My prayers are with you at this time. The influence that you and Jim had in my life is beyond description. It was through your support and examples that a young inexperienced boy with family obligations could see a path to success and happiness. Through the passing years, your family has remained in my thoughts. It was so good to see you and Jim at Brandon's wedding. May you find peace and comfort in the Lord.
Sending my love, Wynn Pead
What a beautiful tribute to your Father and my dear friend. I also worked at Smiths and grand opened many stores when Jim was VP of non foods. You are right! He was loyal. He was my friend and watched out for me. He made a huge contribution to the Success of Smiths. He was everything you said and more.
My deepest condolences.
Gloria Badauld
Dear Edna and family,
I want you to really know Jim was the greatest and most honorable man I have ever known. He was also the very best friend. Marion and I are so saddened about this and we understand, some what your feelings, but know that we are here for you anytime. If I can do anything please know that I will and it will only be with all the love we possess. Please accept our love for you.
To the Hallsey Family. What sad news to hear. I loved your Dad, He was a great man, great leader, great mentor, a great role model, and one of the few whom I whole heartedly respected and looked up to for the majority of my life. I thought he’d live forever as he was always strong and unbeatable. Sending prayers to you and the family. My condolences to all of you.
We have lost the best of the best. Jim is a great man who inspired all who knew him with his work ethic and his giving heart to those in need. He never forgot his small town roots and treated all he met with kindness and compassion.. II the world population would love and care for each other as Jim Hallsey, there would be peace on earth. About right now, Jim and Tyler are having a great time on the golf course and both are at peace . God bless you Edna and your family.
Steve and Norm, so sorry to hear about Jim's passing. He was a great leader at Smith's and always treated everyone the same. As a rep, I was always excited to run into Jim at Smith's office or at the Stores. I remember running into him at a Store in Phoenix when I when traveled there for a reset
and the first thing he said to me was "Sandall, what are you doing here?' He made me feel very special. He was one of a kind and will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers with you and your family.
Dear Edna, Steve and Family - We were heartbroken to hear of Jim's passing. What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man. Thank you for sharing Jim with us his Smith's family. He will be so missed in this world by so many. We celebrate a life so well lived and feel so blessed that we were able to be a small part of that here at Smith's. Edna, you're a wonderful person and we feel privileged to know you both and some of your wonderful family. Please know we pray for your comfort in the coming weeks. We are so so sorry for your loss. Rest in peace our dear friend who was a friend to all he met. Thank you for making our lives better just having known you.
Jim and Debbie Dye (Smith's Food and Drug employees)
Dear Edna and Family. I was sorry to read of Jim’s passing. He was the most fun cousin growing up. I have watched with admiration of his many accomplishments through the years. He was amazing! Sending my sincere condolences and love!
Love, Carolyn Dunlap Ford
Edna,
Sending my deepest Condolences to you, Holly, Steve and Chris. During such a difficult time for your family may the Holy Spirit give comfort to all of you as you deal with Jim's passing. Edna, you are one of my favorite people from the Smith's family and my heart breaks for you. God bless you!
Brian
One of the finest , nicest, down to earth , man I have ever known.
I I sure do miss you Jim. Thanks for all you did for my family and me by giving me the opportunity to leave Grand Central and go to work with you and many other fine folks at Smith's Food and Drug. Prayers to Edna and your kids nightly and will see you again in the not so distant future when we meet again.