Mostafa Tarkeshian

Mostafa “Jim” Tarkeshian, 85, of Sandy, Utah, passed away on June 1, 2026, at home, surrounded by his family. He was born on 9/23/1940 in Tehran, Iran, to Mohammad Abraheem Tarkeshian and Sughra Khanoom before coming to the United States.

After immigrating to the US, Jim worked various jobs, including at Lawry’s restaurant in Beverly Hills, as a woodcarver, at a bowling alley, and even taking custodial shifts while attending college at Idaho State University. Jim also studied at Boise State University, where he met his future wife, Beth (Boren), Brigham Young University, and the University of Idaho, where he ultimately earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. During this time, he was an important resource for his family and friends as they arrived in the United States prior to the Iranian Revolution. In 1984, Jim put his education to work for Salt Lake County, where he spent the majority of his career working in Flood Control.

Jim enjoyed older media such as The Three Stooges and the Rat Pack. He enjoyed traveling, especially visiting family in Idaho, California, and Iran. He was an avid fan of the Utah Jazz and rarely missed a game, even in recent lean years for the franchise. More than anything in life, Jim enjoyed spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Beth; his three sons: Abraham (Candace) Tarkeshian, Benjamin Tarkeshian, and Andrew (Michelle) Tarkeshian; and five grandchildren: Maverick, Jaime, Blake, Lindsey, and Tanner; all of whom will greatly miss him.

A private funeral service for family members will be held on Wednesday, June 17th, at Larkin Sunset Gardens at 1910 Dimple Dell Rd, Sandy, Utah 84092. Family and friends are invited to visit with the family at a reception following the funeral from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Larkin’s Le Jardin greenhouse at the same address.

The family would like to thank their friends, co-workers, and employers for their condolences, thoughtfulness, and understanding since Mostafa’s passing. Gratitude is also reserved for the family of the late Idaho Senator Frank Church, who made Jim’s life in the US possible.