James Roger Horrocks, "Jim", passed away peacefully in the early morning of October 21, 2018 after a long battle with multiple myeloma. James was born at a very early age on March 20, 1947 to Marion and Della Horrocks in Murray, Utah. He was taken from this world at the far-too-young age of 71.
James is survived by his loving wife Susan, his sons Jaben (Adrienne) and Aaron (Paige), as well as his younger brother Dave (Andrea), and his beloved cat "BB". He is preceded in death by his father and mother, as well as his father-in-law and mother-in-law, who are both likely holding the gates of heaven shut to prevent having to put up with his shenanigans. He also has many pet cats waiting for him in heaven as well.
James was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served a mission in Ontario and Quebec, Canada. Later in life he proudly served as a teacher in primary and High Priests, as well as in the elder's quorum presidency. He was also proud to serve as second councilor of the Bishopric. James was a gifted scriptorian, able to quote at length from the scriptures and present new and exciting ideas in his lessons and talks.
James served in the Navy during the Vietnam war for two years, where he worked as a radarman on the U.S.S. Coral Sea. He loved watching the fighter jets take off from the deck of his ship and was proud to speak at length about his service. He got to travel the world, visiting such places as the Philippines, Hong Kong, Japan, and Hawaii.
James married the love of his life, Susan, on March 25, 1983 in South Jordan at the "White House" Reception Center. He was later sealed to Susan, as well as his two sons in the Jordan River temple in 1989. James and Susan got to enjoy 36 years of marriage together. Susan's only regret is that she had not met James sooner, because if she had, she could have loved him longer.
James retired from the Postal Service after 41 years as a letter carrier. James loved to spend his days reading and learning, watching his favorite movies and television shows, spending time with his friends and family, and making the world's best lasagna. James had a love of rock-and-roll and enjoyed watching his favorite bands perform live, as well as blasting his home with the tunes of Toto, the Beatles, Journey, and Elton John.
James was a gifted gardener. He enjoyed growing one of the largest fern gardens in the state of Utah. For over 20 years, James wrote scientific articles about ferns for the Hardy Fern Foundation and gave gardening lectures at Red Butte Gardens. In addition to ferns, he also loved to collect rare and exotic plants from around the world. He loved his garden so much that to him, it was like his third child.
James was a loving and devoted husband and father, a good friend, and a hero to many. Though he was taken from us far too soon, he will be honored and remembered every day for his unique and hilarious sense of humor, his love and devotion to his family and friends, and his love of charity. He was always more concerned with the well-being of others over himself, even if it meant sacrificing his own happiness for the sake of someone else's. His loss leaves a void that is impossible to fill, and he will be greatly missed.
A viewing will be held Sunday evening from 6 to 8 at the LDS church at 2925 Bengal Blvd in Cottonwood Heights, Utah. Funeral services will be held at the same location Monday morning starting at 11, with a short viewing held prior from 10 to 10:45. Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Gardens located at 1950 East Dimple Dell Road 10600 South, Sandy, Utah. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in James' honor to the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah at donate@huntsmancancer.org
