Jim D. Featherstone, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great grandfather passed away on July 22, 2022 at the age of 89.
Jim was born September 19, 1932 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was the fourth of eight children born to Emma Marie and Stephen Elvin Featherstone. He grew up on Downington Avenue in the Sugarhouse area where he attended South High School. He participated in the Acapella choir following and preceding all of his siblings except Nadine who couldn't carry a tune. He attended the University of Utah but later found salvation in cheering for BYU. Jim continued to love singing and sang with the Olympics Male Chorus for many years. His love of sports continued throughout his life where he played softball until he was 83 years old winning several medals at the World Senior Games.
Jim was drafted in 1950 for the Korean War. He qualified to attend Radio Operations school with the second highest admission score. He finished number one in his radio training. His performance qualified him to be assigned at a headquarters in Trieste, Italy. Jim served two years in the war and was honorable discharged at the rank of Sergeant.
After the war, Jim worked for Grand Central stores where he met the first love of his life, Emma Jane Oliver. Emma worked in the bakery where Jim would often go to over-eat sweets just to spend time looking at her. He finally got the courage to ask Emma for a date. Jim moved quickly. It took him just a few short months to fall in love and talk her into marrying him. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on November 18, 1957 and were married for 44 years. Jim was enamored by her beauty and as she was a little older than him, he called her "the Original Cougar". This inspired his decision to cheer for BYU Cougars. Together they had 3 children that they adored.
After Emma passed away he found love a second time with a former childhood neighbor friend, Kathleen Trivett. He wooed her with his suave dancing moves at the Murray Arts Center followed with fine dining at the nearby Village Inn and occasional High Mountain Drug hamburger. They were married January 10, 2003. Together they enjoyed traveling and serving a mission at the various church sites in Palmyra, New York. They also served in the Salt Lake Temple. In January 2015 Kathy passed away suddenly leaving Jim heartbroken again.
Several month later, Jim attended his sister-in-law Gay's 80th birthday party where he reconnected with her little sister, Nancy Olsen. Nancy mentioned she had a crush on Jim when they were younger, and the dating began. Together they enjoyed the mountains, dancing and music. His skills on the dance floor won him yet another bride. The two married October 10, 2015, just in time for Jim to take her on his trip to the World Senior Games. The past 7 years with Nancy have been a blessing and a joy.
Jim was an expert produce man and spent his many working years in the grocery business including management and later working as a produce buyer for Associated Foods.
Jim was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings. He was called to serve in the Bishopric of the Winder 5th Ward just two weeks after Emma's passing. He found joy in serving and was always one of the first to volunteer to help others.
Family was first and foremost Jim's priority and great love. He enjoyed spending time up at the family cabin in Oakley watching old movies, listening to good music and visiting with family and friends on the front deck. He specialized in "Cabin Breakfast" that all the grandkids especially loved. You knew when you smelled the bacon cooking and heard the music playing it was time to get up. No one ever took over the breakfast duties.
Jim was a Christlike example in everything he did. It was the people in his life that mattered, not the things. Everyone that knew Jim knew they were important and were loved. Jim was preceded in death by his wives Emma and Kathy, his parents Emma and Stephen Featherstone, his brothers Stephen, Ron, Vaughn, Kenny and his sister Ann. He is survived by his children Pamela (Jack) Hart, Lori Darrington (Bev Buchanan), Greg (Diana) Featherstone and Janeen Murdock, 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, sister Nadine Holt and brother Ernie Featherstone.
A viewing will be held on Friday, July 29th 2022 from 6:30 to 8:00 PM at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy, Utah. Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 30th 2022 with a viewing from 9:30-10:45 AM followed by funeral services beginning at 11:00 AM at the Valley View 8th Ward, 4395 South Albright Drive (2145 East), Holladay, Utah.
The family would like to express their gratitude for the loving care he received by the staff at Pheasant Run Memory Care, Harmony Hospice and the various caregivers over the several months of care.
For information to watch the completed service online, please click the blue "Watch Services" box shown above.
Sorry to hear this. My brothers where good friends to the featherstone boys. ( they have passed also.)
My Mom and his Mom use to ride the bus together for work. We where raised in Richards ward.
Many memories
Uncle Jim was a great uncle and example of what a man should be. He was always kind and positive. I was always happy to see him and felt he was always happy to see me.
Uncle Jim was a Superman that could do anything wth ease. I was in awe of his strengh and abilites. He was a natural athlete. I remember him playing ball with me and all the cousins at our family reunions. He never used a glove to catch a hardball, and could really throw a football. He was strong enough to hold himself horizontal from the porch supports of our house in Draper (we all tried to do it, but never could).
Uncle Jim was comforting to me when times were rough. He never judged and accepted me for who I am. I will truly miss him and his radiant smile.
Love, Trent