Donald Heber James

DONALD HEBER JAMES
1923-2011 Donald Heber James passed away on March 11, 2011, at home in Nibley, Utah, surrounded by his loving family. Don was born July 7, 1923, in Logan, Utah, to Heber George and Jennie Bradley James. He was raised on 7th North in Logan at the top of the hill near the Agricultural College. They lived in a modest home built by his great-grandfather. He and his brothers explored what were then the open fields of what is now Utah State University. Don attended Webster Elementary School, Logan Junior High, and graduated from Logan High School in 1942. He attended the Utah State Agricultural College prior to enlisting in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. He was stationed in Guam and Puerto Rico. After returning home from the service, Don drove a taxi cab for the "44" Cab Company in Logan where he met and fell in love with the dispatcher, Emma Maxine Olson. They were married on March 30, 1946, and have enjoyed 65 years together. Their marriage was solemnized on April 7, 1957, in the Logan L.D.S. Temple. After working at various jobs, Don became a journeyman plumber with A. H. Palmer and Sons and worked for them for 23 years. In 1973, he and Maxine founded Donald H. James Plumbing and Heating where they worked side-by-side. He had a reputation as an honest, hard-working man. Many times after a call for a late-night emergency, he would return home with a bottle of jam or loaf of bread that he would accept as payment. In addition to his distinguished career as a businessman, Don was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His love for the gospel was evident by his willingness to share his testimony with everyone. He served in many positions including, Bishop's Counselor, Stake Missionary, Bishop, and High Councilman. He served as Bishop of the Logan 13th Ward for six years. Don and Maxine fulfilled an honorable mission from 1994-1995 in the Washington, Spokane, Mission. After returning home from their mission, they were called as officiators in the Logan Temple where they served for approximately 11 years. Don's family was the center of his life. He was always supportive of everyone. From ball games to piano recitals, he was always there to support his family, and visits and phone calls from them always brightened his day. Don is survived by his wife, Maxine, his six children, Alan D. Bonnie, Hyrum; Carole David Hibshman, Logan; Bruce O. Kelly, Hyrum; Paul C. Eileen, Hyrum; LaDawn Steven Marcek, Logan; and Scott R. Tammy, Nibley. He is survived by 28 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren. Don is also survived by his brother, Wilford Ann, Logan, and sister-in-law, Joyce James, Kearns, Utah, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter-in-law, Garnett James, and brothers, Daniel J. Kirby, Henry A. James, and Ralph B. James. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 16, 2011, at Nibley 10th Ward Church, 2825 South 1000 West, Nibley, Utah, at 12:00 noon. Friends may call Tuesday evening, March 15, 2011, at Nelson Funeral Home in Logan, Utah, 162 East 400 North, Logan, Utah, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and on Wednesday morning from 10:30-11:30 a.m., prior to the funeral services. Burial will be in the Millville Cemetery. Don's family would like to thank Dr. Michael Stones, the staff at Sunshine Terrace, Wings 6 and 7, and Dianne Crockett and the staff at Access Hospice for their kind and loving care of Don throughout his illness. At this time of great need in the world, the family respectfully requests donations in lieu of flowers to LDS Humanitarian Services. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com