Major James E. Tidwell USAF retired (Par) age 93, passed away peacefully on Dec.4, 2018 surrounded by his family.
He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of nearly 74 years Gladys Brubaker; his four children: Bonnie Bateman (Val, deceased), Patricia Garriott (Boyd), James Tidwell II (Tomi), Penny Lunt (Ed); and over 100 adoring grandchildren, great grandchildren and their spouses.
Jim was born on July 6, 1925 in Salt Lake City, Utah to James Leonard Tidwell and Pernella Larson. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sisters: Bernice Bates (Keith), Marguerite Richards (John), Susanna Tidwell, and Maxine Hunter (Richard).
In his distinguished career, Jim became a decorated command pilot. He flew over 100 combat missions during the Korean conflict and was honored with the Distinguished Flying Cross. He flew as a fighter escort for General MacArthur and flew many of the leading-edge jet planes of his day. His assignments took Jim and his family to Japan, Germany, France, South Carolina, Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia and Utah.
After retirement Jim and Gladys settled in Salt Lake City where he served in many callings in the Monument Park 9th Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 1988-89 the couple served as missionaries in the California Ventura Mission.
Jim loved America, the Utah Jazz, playing golf, Nat King Cole and traveling with his wife. More than anything, he loved his family, which he showed by spending his time and his many skills completing handyman projects in each of his children's homes, driving them on adventures in his Winnebago, and teaching them how to properly raise and lower the American flag. He had a special way of making everyone feel important. Each of his children and grandchildren is convinced that he or she is his favorite. During his last few years he enjoyed the red rock and sunshine in St. George, Utah.
Par will be remembered most for how he cared about and served others, his cheerful and optimistic outlook on life, and especially for his love of each individual member of his family, who were the focus of all he did.
Services will be held Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 11:00 am at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City, UT. Friends and family may call Saturday, from 9:30- 10:45 am at Larkin Sunset Lawn.Interment at Larkin Sunset Lawn.
