James "Jim" A Spencer

Jim Spencer
Orem, Utah

    Faithful husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and dear friend, James A Spencer, passed from this life, at his home on Sunday, September 4, 2022, at the age of 87. He was born October 17, 1934 in Escalante to John Clyde and Lillie Alvey Spencer.
    Jim was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and loved nothing more than serving others, whether he was in the temple, on a campout, teaching a Sunday School class, or serving in other leadership capacities.  His most deeply felt desire was to stand with devotion as a witness of Jesus Christ. 
    Jim and his first wife, Janet had two children, John Ray and Tamara.  After the passing of Janet in 2000, Jim was very blessed to marry Jolyn Griffin Peterson of Payson, Utah.  Married for nearly 22 years, they each enjoyed serving others, family, and the great outdoors.  Jim was happiest when he was surrounded by family, and would teach each grandchild a favorite verse of scripture. 
    Jim was also a noted high school educator and basketball coach.  His teams won five state titles at Provo High School, and after retiring from education, he helped his alma mater, Escalante High School win three more state championships in four years.  Even though Jim was successful as a coach, his real motivation was working with young men to develop the kind of character that would lead to more important successes in life than those that might be found on a basketball court.  
    Jim’s family:  John R (Rachelle) Spencer, their children: Christopher (Camille and children: James and Finn); Anne Spencer (children: Wyat, Leigha); daughter, Tamara (deceased), husband, Jeffery (Tonya) Olsen, their children: Spencer (Ashley), Griffin (deceased), Zackary, Aiden).  Jolyn’s daughter, Amanda (Jimmy) Poteet, children: Riley, Makenna (Derrik) Jacobson; their children: Hayes, Ozzie; Jolyn’s daughter, Joni (Ryan) Remkes; their children: Jaxon, Skyler, Mackley;  Jolyn’s son, Russell (Kim) Peterson; their daughter: Amelia; and Jim’s sister: Carolyn Porter.    
    James was preceded in death by his wife, Janet Griffin Spencer; daughter, Tamara Olsen; grandson, Griffin Olsen; parents; brother, John Spencer, and sisters: Veniece Taylor, Marie Looslie, LaFaye Bailey, and Bonnie Jean Spencer.  Also preceding Jim in death was Jim’s daughter in law Corrine Applegate Spencer, John’s first wife. 
    Funeral services will be held Friday, September 9, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. in the Sunset Heights 6th Ward Chapel, 500 South 600 West, in Orem, where friends may call Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m. and again Friday from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Interment will be at the Escalante Cemetery on Saturday, September 10, at 11:00 a.m.  Live streaming and online guestbook can be found at www.maglebymortuary.com under Jim’s obituary.  Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. 

Live streaming box can be found by scrolling below the obituary