James Blaine "Jim" Burr
1938 - 2022
James Blaine Burr, 83, passed away peacefully at his home in Provo, Utah, after a courageous battle with cancer on January 12, 2022. Jim was thrilled to watch the 2021-2022 BYU football season following his diagnosis. Jim loved a good football game with the fall-colored mountains of Provo in the distance, complete with the sound of BYU's marching band playing "The Cougar Fight Song." He loved to be among the cheering fans as passes were completed, plays were executed, and touchdowns were scored—leading to the wins (and occasional losses) for his favorite team. Jim Burr appreciated the grit and discipline necessary for success.
Born November 26, 1938, in Moab, Utah, as the youngest of six children born to Lester Orlando and Eliza Irene Berry Burr, Jim had a Huck Finn-like childhood, filled with long days spent outdoors among the red rocks and foothills of the La Salle Mountains. He would often leave for the entire day with his dog, a bottle of canned peaches, and a little mischief on his mind. He loved his family home, his parents, and siblings, the smell of the Russian Olive trees that lined the Colorado River, and his mother's homemade biscuits and dumplings.
Jim graduated from Grand County High School in 1957 where he played football and basketball and ran track. He also loved participating in school plays. While in high school, James met Carole Reid, who was visiting Utah from Santa Monica, California. A few years later, Jim and Carole married in the Los Angeles California Temple on July 25, 1958. That union produced nine children, 34 grandchildren, and 53 great grandchildren. Their posterity includes seven sets of twins.
Jim married Linda Quinton Jones on September 26, 1998. They enjoyed traveling, reading, cooking, and visiting with their combined 21 children. Jim and Linda were sealed in the Draper Utah Temple on May 15, 2010. He often said, "Linda watches MSNBC in one room and I watch Fox News in the other, but she's crazy about me." He loved how she helped people in every walk of life, and appreciated the way her children follow their mother's example in meaningful ways.
Jim became fascinated with aviation from a young age, beginning when his older brother (and eventual business partner), Robert Burr, became a B-17 bombardier in World War II. He served briefly in the Marine Corps and maintained a deeply felt, patriotic respect for America's founding and the traditional values of faith, family, and freedom. Despite his tough exterior, Jim was easily brought to tears whenever he discussed sacrifices made in defense of his country. He could rarely finish singing "The Star-Spangled Banner" without a lump in his throat and tears streaming down his cheeks at an athletic event or at the opening of an air show. Next to Thanksgiving, the Fourth of July was his favorite holiday. The display of Jim in his Uncle Sam pants was almost as important as waving the flag in any Fourth of July celebration.
James played a significant role in developing the helicopter industry in the Intermountain West and pioneered the hospital-based air-ambulance industry known as Life Flight. He was CEO and co-founder with his brother, Bob, of Mountain West Helicopters and later, Rocky Mountain Helicopters, from 1961 until 1997. He and the many great employees, whom he admired so much, were instrumental in the development of numerous aviation related technologies, expanding the capabilities of rapidly improving helicopters, and discovering how they could be utilized in the rugged terrain and unique environments of the Rocky Mountains. These amazing machines built oil pipelines in Peru, removed selective timber in logging operations in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, and discovered oil in the Overthrust Belt throughout the West. Many ski lifts were built in the challenging mountains of the Rocky Mountains, and some flew in the filming of famous movies. The unmistakable sound of a helicopter crossing the ridge was a welcomed sound to hundreds of hunters and adventurers who needed rescue and thousands of lives saved by the rapid-response medical teams flown to the scenes of thousands of locations in these wonderful modern and marvelous flying machines.
Because of Jim's need to travel to oversee the operations of his company, his sons spent many summers next to him in the seats of helicopters as they moved from job to job fighting forest fires, transporting surveyors to every peak and climb throughout the Mountain West while carefully insuring the fulfillment of every obligation in the early years of his professional life.
Jim pursued his many and diverse interests with great enthusiasm. He could never settle on doing just one thing or anything only halfway. He was most happy with numerous projects going at one time and was busier than any person ever should be. His personal drive to always be self-sufficient lead to his, and his brother Bob's, determination to do all things "in house" and thus have greater control over the numerous details required to operate a large and complex aviation company.
He established and managed numerous companies of assorted varieties. Nothing was impossible in his mind. Jim learned to fly both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, was a master fly fisherman, an avid racquetball player, pheasant and deer hunter, voracious reader, snowmobile rider, patriot, and outdoorsman. He loved to learn, and believed things worth doing were worth doing well. He cleared vast acres of land upon which his ranch was built, fashioned after those that he had dreamt of near the LaSalle mountains near Moab. He built cabins and restaurants, logging companies and log processing operations, he saw opportunity in a pallet manufacturing operation, was an avid rock collector and trader, a photographer, a horseman, a little league baseball coach, a jewelry maker, a wood turner, an architect, an experienced pilot, a master gardener, and a craftsman. He fly-fished the most beautiful rivers, was captivated by the settling of the American West, and throughout his professional life, Jim mastered the art of business and the commercialization of flight. Jim grilled the best steaks in the Western Hemisphere, and many gathered at his table for meals he greatly enjoyed preparing including beautiful vegetables harvested from his own garden.
As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jim loved and lived the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was a man of faith and never doubted. His life was shaped by the power of prayer, and he honored his gift of the priesthood as he administered to family and ward members in countless ways throughout his life. He served as a bishop, counselor, youth leader and home teacher.
Jim will be remembered for the example he set, the resolve that he demonstrated, the nicknames he bestowed, the patriotism he fostered, the humor he shared, the dreams he realized, and the difference he made in the lives of many. Jim was spellbound by the grandbabies he adored, and he was a dedicated father and grandpa to the family he cherished. He was quick to share both wit and wisdom. He was a gifted storyteller. He believed that there was one thing that could always make a hard day better, and a good day great: a warm piece of apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream beginning to melt into the crust. He undertook large operations and improved industries, but he was always most grateful for the simple things in life.
James Burr was a man who wasted little time and embraced life with an unusual appreciation for the miracles associated with faith in God, the satisfaction gleaned from a job well done, and the joy that comes from his deep love for his wife, children, and grandchildren.
James is survived by his wife, Linda Burr; eight of nine children: Brett (Julie), Susan Miguel (Jim), RoseMarie Walker (Mark), Brigham Burr, Lara Burr Johnson, Sharon Lee (Mike), Emily Bodhaine (Kirk), Amanda Kerpan (Danny); his daughter-in-law, Natalie Burr; his brother, Tom; his stepchildren: Marti Jones, Debbie Humphries, Hinckley Jones-Sanpei, Rachel Loer, Nathan Jones, Jeff Jones, Michael Jones, Michelle Heinzman, Peter Jones, Elizabeth Jones, Mark Jones, and Bonnie James.
Services: Nelson Family Mortuary
Interment: East Lawn Memorial Hills Cemetery
Original obituary published by:
—Nelson Family Mortuary | January 2022
1938 - 2022
James Blaine Burr, 83, passed away peacefully at his home in Provo, Utah, after a courageous battle with cancer on January 12, 2022. Jim was thrilled to watch the 2021-2022 BYU football season following his diagnosis. Jim loved a good football game with the fall-colored mountains of Provo in the distance, complete with the sound of BYU's marching band playing "The Cougar Fight Song." He loved to be among the cheering fans as passes were completed, plays were executed, and touchdowns were scored—leading to the wins (and occasional losses) for his favorite team. Jim Burr appreciated the grit and discipline necessary for success.
Born November 26, 1938, in Moab, Utah, as the youngest of six children born to Lester Orlando and Eliza Irene Berry Burr, Jim had a Huck Finn-like childhood, filled with long days spent outdoors among the red rocks and foothills of the La Salle Mountains. He would often leave for the entire day with his dog, a bottle of canned peaches, and a little mischief on his mind. He loved his family home, his parents, and siblings, the smell of the Russian Olive trees that lined the Colorado River, and his mother's homemade biscuits and dumplings.
Jim graduated from Grand County High School in 1957 where he played football and basketball and ran track. He also loved participating in school plays. While in high school, James met Carole Reid, who was visiting Utah from Santa Monica, California. A few years later, Jim and Carole married in the Los Angeles California Temple on July 25, 1958. That union produced nine children, 34 grandchildren, and 53 great grandchildren. Their posterity includes seven sets of twins.
Jim married Linda Quinton Jones on September 26, 1998. They enjoyed traveling, reading, cooking, and visiting with their combined 21 children. Jim and Linda were sealed in the Draper Utah Temple on May 15, 2010. He often said, "Linda watches MSNBC in one room and I watch Fox News in the other, but she's crazy about me." He loved how she helped people in every walk of life, and appreciated the way her children follow their mother's example in meaningful ways.
Jim became fascinated with aviation from a young age, beginning when his older brother (and eventual business partner), Robert Burr, became a B-17 bombardier in World War II. He served briefly in the Marine Corps and maintained a deeply felt, patriotic respect for America's founding and the traditional values of faith, family, and freedom. Despite his tough exterior, Jim was easily brought to tears whenever he discussed sacrifices made in defense of his country. He could rarely finish singing "The Star-Spangled Banner" without a lump in his throat and tears streaming down his cheeks at an athletic event or at the opening of an air show. Next to Thanksgiving, the Fourth of July was his favorite holiday. The display of Jim in his Uncle Sam pants was almost as important as waving the flag in any Fourth of July celebration.
James played a significant role in developing the helicopter industry in the Intermountain West and pioneered the hospital-based air-ambulance industry known as Life Flight. He was CEO and co-founder with his brother, Bob, of Mountain West Helicopters and later, Rocky Mountain Helicopters, from 1961 until 1997. He and the many great employees, whom he admired so much, were instrumental in the development of numerous aviation related technologies, expanding the capabilities of rapidly improving helicopters, and discovering how they could be utilized in the rugged terrain and unique environments of the Rocky Mountains. These amazing machines built oil pipelines in Peru, removed selective timber in logging operations in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, and discovered oil in the Overthrust Belt throughout the West. Many ski lifts were built in the challenging mountains of the Rocky Mountains, and some flew in the filming of famous movies. The unmistakable sound of a helicopter crossing the ridge was a welcomed sound to hundreds of hunters and adventurers who needed rescue and thousands of lives saved by the rapid-response medical teams flown to the scenes of thousands of locations in these wonderful modern and marvelous flying machines.
Because of Jim's need to travel to oversee the operations of his company, his sons spent many summers next to him in the seats of helicopters as they moved from job to job fighting forest fires, transporting surveyors to every peak and climb throughout the Mountain West while carefully insuring the fulfillment of every obligation in the early years of his professional life.
Jim pursued his many and diverse interests with great enthusiasm. He could never settle on doing just one thing or anything only halfway. He was most happy with numerous projects going at one time and was busier than any person ever should be. His personal drive to always be self-sufficient lead to his, and his brother Bob's, determination to do all things "in house" and thus have greater control over the numerous details required to operate a large and complex aviation company.
He established and managed numerous companies of assorted varieties. Nothing was impossible in his mind. Jim learned to fly both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, was a master fly fisherman, an avid racquetball player, pheasant and deer hunter, voracious reader, snowmobile rider, patriot, and outdoorsman. He loved to learn, and believed things worth doing were worth doing well. He cleared vast acres of land upon which his ranch was built, fashioned after those that he had dreamt of near the LaSalle mountains near Moab. He built cabins and restaurants, logging companies and log processing operations, he saw opportunity in a pallet manufacturing operation, was an avid rock collector and trader, a photographer, a horseman, a little league baseball coach, a jewelry maker, a wood turner, an architect, an experienced pilot, a master gardener, and a craftsman. He fly-fished the most beautiful rivers, was captivated by the settling of the American West, and throughout his professional life, Jim mastered the art of business and the commercialization of flight. Jim grilled the best steaks in the Western Hemisphere, and many gathered at his table for meals he greatly enjoyed preparing including beautiful vegetables harvested from his own garden.
As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jim loved and lived the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was a man of faith and never doubted. His life was shaped by the power of prayer, and he honored his gift of the priesthood as he administered to family and ward members in countless ways throughout his life. He served as a bishop, counselor, youth leader and home teacher.
Jim will be remembered for the example he set, the resolve that he demonstrated, the nicknames he bestowed, the patriotism he fostered, the humor he shared, the dreams he realized, and the difference he made in the lives of many. Jim was spellbound by the grandbabies he adored, and he was a dedicated father and grandpa to the family he cherished. He was quick to share both wit and wisdom. He was a gifted storyteller. He believed that there was one thing that could always make a hard day better, and a good day great: a warm piece of apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream beginning to melt into the crust. He undertook large operations and improved industries, but he was always most grateful for the simple things in life.
James Burr was a man who wasted little time and embraced life with an unusual appreciation for the miracles associated with faith in God, the satisfaction gleaned from a job well done, and the joy that comes from his deep love for his wife, children, and grandchildren.
James is survived by his wife, Linda Burr; eight of nine children: Brett (Julie), Susan Miguel (Jim), RoseMarie Walker (Mark), Brigham Burr, Lara Burr Johnson, Sharon Lee (Mike), Emily Bodhaine (Kirk), Amanda Kerpan (Danny); his daughter-in-law, Natalie Burr; his brother, Tom; his stepchildren: Marti Jones, Debbie Humphries, Hinckley Jones-Sanpei, Rachel Loer, Nathan Jones, Jeff Jones, Michael Jones, Michelle Heinzman, Peter Jones, Elizabeth Jones, Mark Jones, and Bonnie James.
Services: Nelson Family Mortuary
Interment: East Lawn Memorial Hills Cemetery
Original obituary published by:
—Nelson Family Mortuary | January 2022
James Blaine "Jim" Burr
1938 - 2022
James Blaine Burr, 83, passed away peacefully at his home in Provo, Utah, after a courageous battle with cancer on January 12, 2022. Jim was thrilled to watch the 2021-2022 BYU football season following his diagnosis. Jim loved a good football game with the fall-colored mountains of Provo in the distance, complete with the sound of BYU's marching band playing "The Cougar Fight Song." He loved to be among the cheering fans as passes were completed, plays were executed, and touchdowns were scored—leading to the wins (and occasional losses) for his favorite team. Jim Burr appreciated the grit and discipline necessary for success.
Born November 26, 1938, in Moab, Utah, as the youngest of six children born to Lester Orlando and Eliza Irene Berry Burr, Jim had a Huck Finn-like childhood, filled with long days spent outdoors among the red rocks and foothills of the La Salle Mountains. He would often leave for the entire day with his dog, a bottle of canned peaches, and a little mischief on his mind. He loved his family home, his parents, and siblings, the smell of the Russian Olive trees that lined the Colorado River, and his mother's homemade biscuits and dumplings.
Jim graduated from Grand County High School in 1957 where he played football and basketball and ran track. He also loved participating in school plays. While in high school, James met Carole Reid, who was visiting Utah from Santa Monica, California. A few years later, Jim and Carole married in the Los Angeles California Temple on July 25, 1958. That union produced nine children, 34 grandchildren, and 53 great grandchildren. Their posterity includes seven sets of twins.
Jim married Linda Quinton Jones on September 26, 1998. They enjoyed traveling, reading, cooking, and visiting with their combined 21 children. Jim and Linda were sealed in the Draper Utah Temple on May 15, 2010. He often said, "Linda watches MSNBC in one room and I watch Fox News in the other, but she's crazy about me." He loved how she helped people in every walk of life, and appreciated the way her children follow their mother's example in meaningful ways.
Jim became fascinated with aviation from a young age, beginning when his older brother (and eventual business partner), Robert Burr, became a B-17 bombardier in World War II. He served briefly in the Marine Corps and maintained a deeply felt, patriotic respect for America's founding and the traditional values of faith, family, and freedom. Despite his tough exterior, Jim was easily brought to tears whenever he discussed sacrifices made in defense of his country. He could rarely finish singing "The Star-Spangled Banner" without a lump in his throat and tears streaming down his cheeks at an athletic event or at the opening of an air show. Next to Thanksgiving, the Fourth of July was his favorite holiday. The display of Jim in his Uncle Sam pants was almost as important as waving the flag in any Fourth of July celebration.
James played a significant role in developing the helicopter industry in the Intermountain West and pioneered the hospital-based air-ambulance industry known as Life Flight. He was CEO and co-founder with his brother, Bob, of Mountain West Helicopters and later, Rocky Mountain Helicopters, from 1961 until 1997. He and the many great employees, whom he admired so much, were instrumental in the development of numerous aviation related technologies, expanding the capabilities of rapidly improving helicopters, and discovering how they could be utilized in the rugged terrain and unique environments of the Rocky Mountains. These amazing machines built oil pipelines in Peru, removed selective timber in logging operations in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, and discovered oil in the Overthrust Belt throughout the West. Many ski lifts were built in the challenging mountains of the Rocky Mountains, and some flew in the filming of famous movies. The unmistakable sound of a helicopter crossing the ridge was a welcomed sound to hundreds of hunters and adventurers who needed rescue and thousands of lives saved by the rapid-response medical teams flown to the scenes of thousands of locations in these wonderful modern and marvelous flying machines.
Because of Jim's need to travel to oversee the operations of his company, his sons spent many summers next to him in the seats of helicopters as they moved from job to job fighting forest fires, transporting surveyors to every peak and climb throughout the Mountain West while carefully insuring the fulfillment of every obligation in the early years of his professional life.
Jim pursued his many and diverse interests with great enthusiasm. He could never settle on doing just one thing or anything only halfway. He was most happy with numerous projects going at one time and was busier than any person ever should be. His personal drive to always be self-sufficient lead to his, and his brother Bob's, determination to do all things "in house" and thus have greater control over the numerous details required to operate a large and complex aviation company.
He established and managed numerous companies of assorted varieties. Nothing was impossible in his mind. Jim learned to fly both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, was a master fly fisherman, an avid racquetball player, pheasant and deer hunter, voracious reader, snowmobile rider, patriot, and outdoorsman. He loved to learn, and believed things worth doing were worth doing well. He cleared vast acres of land upon which his ranch was built, fashioned after those that he had dreamt of near the LaSalle mountains near Moab. He built cabins and restaurants, logging companies and log processing operations, he saw opportunity in a pallet manufacturing operation, was an avid rock collector and trader, a photographer, a horseman, a little league baseball coach, a jewelry maker, a wood turner, an architect, an experienced pilot, a master gardener, and a craftsman. He fly-fished the most beautiful rivers, was captivated by the settling of the American West, and throughout his professional life, Jim mastered the art of business and the commercialization of flight. Jim grilled the best steaks in the Western Hemisphere, and many gathered at his table for meals he greatly enjoyed preparing including beautiful vegetables harvested from his own garden.
As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jim loved and lived the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was a man of faith and never doubted. His life was shaped by the power of prayer, and he honored his gift of the priesthood as he administered to family and ward members in countless ways throughout his life. He served as a bishop, counselor, youth leader and home teacher.
Jim will be remembered for the example he set, the resolve that he demonstrated, the nicknames he bestowed, the patriotism he fostered, the humor he shared, the dreams he realized, and the difference he made in the lives of many. Jim was spellbound by the grandbabies he adored, and he was a dedicated father and grandpa to the family he cherished. He was quick to share both wit and wisdom. He was a gifted storyteller. He believed that there was one thing that could always make a hard day better, and a good day great: a warm piece of apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream beginning to melt into the crust. He undertook large operations and improved industries, but he was always most grateful for the simple things in life.
James Burr was a man who wasted little time and embraced life with an unusual appreciation for the miracles associated with faith in God, the satisfaction gleaned from a job well done, and the joy that comes from his deep love for his wife, children, and grandchildren.
James is survived by his wife, Linda Burr; eight of nine children: Brett (Julie), Susan Miguel (Jim), RoseMarie Walker (Mark), Brigham Burr, Lara Burr Johnson, Sharon Lee (Mike), Emily Bodhaine (Kirk), Amanda Kerpan (Danny); his daughter-in-law, Natalie Burr; his brother, Tom; his stepchildren: Marti Jones, Debbie Humphries, Hinckley Jones-Sanpei, Rachel Loer, Nathan Jones, Jeff Jones, Michael Jones, Michelle Heinzman, Peter Jones, Elizabeth Jones, Mark Jones, and Bonnie James.
Services: Nelson Family Mortuary
Interment: East Lawn Memorial Hills Cemetery
Original obituary published by:
—Nelson Family Mortuary | January 2022
1938 - 2022
James Blaine Burr, 83, passed away peacefully at his home in Provo, Utah, after a courageous battle with cancer on January 12, 2022. Jim was thrilled to watch the 2021-2022 BYU football season following his diagnosis. Jim loved a good football game with the fall-colored mountains of Provo in the distance, complete with the sound of BYU's marching band playing "The Cougar Fight Song." He loved to be among the cheering fans as passes were completed, plays were executed, and touchdowns were scored—leading to the wins (and occasional losses) for his favorite team. Jim Burr appreciated the grit and discipline necessary for success.
Born November 26, 1938, in Moab, Utah, as the youngest of six children born to Lester Orlando and Eliza Irene Berry Burr, Jim had a Huck Finn-like childhood, filled with long days spent outdoors among the red rocks and foothills of the La Salle Mountains. He would often leave for the entire day with his dog, a bottle of canned peaches, and a little mischief on his mind. He loved his family home, his parents, and siblings, the smell of the Russian Olive trees that lined the Colorado River, and his mother's homemade biscuits and dumplings.
Jim graduated from Grand County High School in 1957 where he played football and basketball and ran track. He also loved participating in school plays. While in high school, James met Carole Reid, who was visiting Utah from Santa Monica, California. A few years later, Jim and Carole married in the Los Angeles California Temple on July 25, 1958. That union produced nine children, 34 grandchildren, and 53 great grandchildren. Their posterity includes seven sets of twins.
Jim married Linda Quinton Jones on September 26, 1998. They enjoyed traveling, reading, cooking, and visiting with their combined 21 children. Jim and Linda were sealed in the Draper Utah Temple on May 15, 2010. He often said, "Linda watches MSNBC in one room and I watch Fox News in the other, but she's crazy about me." He loved how she helped people in every walk of life, and appreciated the way her children follow their mother's example in meaningful ways.
Jim became fascinated with aviation from a young age, beginning when his older brother (and eventual business partner), Robert Burr, became a B-17 bombardier in World War II. He served briefly in the Marine Corps and maintained a deeply felt, patriotic respect for America's founding and the traditional values of faith, family, and freedom. Despite his tough exterior, Jim was easily brought to tears whenever he discussed sacrifices made in defense of his country. He could rarely finish singing "The Star-Spangled Banner" without a lump in his throat and tears streaming down his cheeks at an athletic event or at the opening of an air show. Next to Thanksgiving, the Fourth of July was his favorite holiday. The display of Jim in his Uncle Sam pants was almost as important as waving the flag in any Fourth of July celebration.
James played a significant role in developing the helicopter industry in the Intermountain West and pioneered the hospital-based air-ambulance industry known as Life Flight. He was CEO and co-founder with his brother, Bob, of Mountain West Helicopters and later, Rocky Mountain Helicopters, from 1961 until 1997. He and the many great employees, whom he admired so much, were instrumental in the development of numerous aviation related technologies, expanding the capabilities of rapidly improving helicopters, and discovering how they could be utilized in the rugged terrain and unique environments of the Rocky Mountains. These amazing machines built oil pipelines in Peru, removed selective timber in logging operations in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, and discovered oil in the Overthrust Belt throughout the West. Many ski lifts were built in the challenging mountains of the Rocky Mountains, and some flew in the filming of famous movies. The unmistakable sound of a helicopter crossing the ridge was a welcomed sound to hundreds of hunters and adventurers who needed rescue and thousands of lives saved by the rapid-response medical teams flown to the scenes of thousands of locations in these wonderful modern and marvelous flying machines.
Because of Jim's need to travel to oversee the operations of his company, his sons spent many summers next to him in the seats of helicopters as they moved from job to job fighting forest fires, transporting surveyors to every peak and climb throughout the Mountain West while carefully insuring the fulfillment of every obligation in the early years of his professional life.
Jim pursued his many and diverse interests with great enthusiasm. He could never settle on doing just one thing or anything only halfway. He was most happy with numerous projects going at one time and was busier than any person ever should be. His personal drive to always be self-sufficient lead to his, and his brother Bob's, determination to do all things "in house" and thus have greater control over the numerous details required to operate a large and complex aviation company.
He established and managed numerous companies of assorted varieties. Nothing was impossible in his mind. Jim learned to fly both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, was a master fly fisherman, an avid racquetball player, pheasant and deer hunter, voracious reader, snowmobile rider, patriot, and outdoorsman. He loved to learn, and believed things worth doing were worth doing well. He cleared vast acres of land upon which his ranch was built, fashioned after those that he had dreamt of near the LaSalle mountains near Moab. He built cabins and restaurants, logging companies and log processing operations, he saw opportunity in a pallet manufacturing operation, was an avid rock collector and trader, a photographer, a horseman, a little league baseball coach, a jewelry maker, a wood turner, an architect, an experienced pilot, a master gardener, and a craftsman. He fly-fished the most beautiful rivers, was captivated by the settling of the American West, and throughout his professional life, Jim mastered the art of business and the commercialization of flight. Jim grilled the best steaks in the Western Hemisphere, and many gathered at his table for meals he greatly enjoyed preparing including beautiful vegetables harvested from his own garden.
As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jim loved and lived the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was a man of faith and never doubted. His life was shaped by the power of prayer, and he honored his gift of the priesthood as he administered to family and ward members in countless ways throughout his life. He served as a bishop, counselor, youth leader and home teacher.
Jim will be remembered for the example he set, the resolve that he demonstrated, the nicknames he bestowed, the patriotism he fostered, the humor he shared, the dreams he realized, and the difference he made in the lives of many. Jim was spellbound by the grandbabies he adored, and he was a dedicated father and grandpa to the family he cherished. He was quick to share both wit and wisdom. He was a gifted storyteller. He believed that there was one thing that could always make a hard day better, and a good day great: a warm piece of apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream beginning to melt into the crust. He undertook large operations and improved industries, but he was always most grateful for the simple things in life.
James Burr was a man who wasted little time and embraced life with an unusual appreciation for the miracles associated with faith in God, the satisfaction gleaned from a job well done, and the joy that comes from his deep love for his wife, children, and grandchildren.
James is survived by his wife, Linda Burr; eight of nine children: Brett (Julie), Susan Miguel (Jim), RoseMarie Walker (Mark), Brigham Burr, Lara Burr Johnson, Sharon Lee (Mike), Emily Bodhaine (Kirk), Amanda Kerpan (Danny); his daughter-in-law, Natalie Burr; his brother, Tom; his stepchildren: Marti Jones, Debbie Humphries, Hinckley Jones-Sanpei, Rachel Loer, Nathan Jones, Jeff Jones, Michael Jones, Michelle Heinzman, Peter Jones, Elizabeth Jones, Mark Jones, and Bonnie James.
Services: Nelson Family Mortuary
Interment: East Lawn Memorial Hills Cemetery
Original obituary published by:
—Nelson Family Mortuary | January 2022
Gravesite Details
Interment 18 Jan 2022
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