James Russell Gwilliam

James Russell Gwilliam, 91, of Provo, passed away Sunday, November 24, 2024. He was born in Santa Ana, California, on December 16, 1932, to Russell Thompson Gwilliam and Vera Walker Gwilliam. He was married 74 years to Betty Lou Glover. Their marriage was solemnized in the St. George Temple.

As a boy, Jim’s family moved often, and with his father’s guidance, he learned the value of hard work, including farming, mining, hunting and fishing, and helping others. His mother was instrumental in teaching him the gospel and the love of music. 

When Jim was 18 years old, near the beginning of the Korean War, he joined the Navy and was discharged 3 years later, soon after the war ended. About eight years later, he received a business management degree from the University of Nevada and began his career as a hospital administrator. 

He worked very hard in his chosen field, and served many people in the community and at church, but he always took time to have fun with his family and be a good friend. He enjoyed socializing and was famous for his church parties. He especially loved serving the youth and was very active in the scouting program. Mom loves to tell us that he could make friends with anyone.

It is hard to write about Jim’s life without mentioning Betty because they have been partners in many important activities during their life together. Missionary work was always a priority to them. They held many missionary discussions in their home and helped numerous friends return to church activity. After their children left home, they served several missions. Their outstanding example of missionary service inspired many of their family members to also serve missions. They also served as temple workers for many years.

Jim is survived by his five children: Sherri (Bruce) Whiting of Orem, Utah; Doug (Stephanie Baldwin) Gwilliam of Encinitas, California; Ted (Annette Moore) Gwilliam of Spanish Fork, Utah; Lorrie (Carl – deceased) Cook; and Ray (Adrie DeVries) of Bethany, Missouri; 32 grandchildren; 72 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren He was preceded in death by his brother Robert Gwilliam.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in the Lakeview 10th Ward LDS Chapel located at 2225 W 620 N, Provo Utah. A viewing will be held just prior to the service from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Burial will be at Utah Veterans Cemetery & Memorial Park, 17111 South Camp Williams Rd, Bluffdale, Utah.

The family would like to give special thanks to the Central Utah Veterans Home in Payson where Jim received very compassionate care in his final weeks. A few days into his stay, his wife Betty fell and broke her hip. Although she was not a Veteran, she was also allowed admission to the rehab unit so that she could be together with Jim, up to his final moments in his mortal body. We are also grateful for the proficient and empathetic care she received. We were especially touched by the reverent honor guard proceeding, with Veterans lining the halls and presenting a final salute of Taps as his body was wheeled out of the facility. Thank you so much to our VA friends, for all you did for our parents and for us during their final stay. 

Condolences for the family may be expressed on this page.

For those unable to attend the services, they will streamed starting at  10:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 12th, via Facebook Live at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/sundbergolpinfuneralhome.