Ira Jim Hart

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, Ira Jim Hart, passed away at home January 26, 2026, at the age of 92.

Jim was born October 4, 1933, in Downey, Idaho to Fred William Hart and Freda Anna Reisner. At his birth, his grandmother wrapped him in a blanket and gently warmed him in a coal-burning oven, and it likely saved his life. In his early years, Jim helped a lot around the family farm. He secured a job at age 15 to help with family finances. Later in life, he purchased a new automobile for his father. This was the only new car Fred ever owned, and he talked about it for years.

Jim served faithfully in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In the 1950's, he served a mission in East Germany. While there, he acquired a deep love for classical music and opera. He was a member of the Granger Stake High Council, a counselor in the Bishopric, a High Priest, and he worked in the MIA, and Boy Scouts. He also spent untold hours helping develop and maintain the (then) Stake Campground near Wallsburg, Utah.

After completing his mission, he served for two years active service in the United States Army. Throughout his mission, and time in the Army, Jim pursued his passion for photography and eventually worked for a time as a professional photographer at Thiokol Wasatch Division.

Jim met Nadine Thaxton from Granger, Utah and they were married in the Salt Lake Temple on November 28, 1966. Over the course of several years, Jim and Nadine built a home in West Valley City, Utah, residing there for the remainder of their lives. They have served faithfully in the Jordan River Temple and worked in the Salt Lake Temple.

Jim was an extremely talented pipefitter welder. He was the first person in the state of Idaho to be certified in MIG, TIG, and metallic arc welding. He worked hard, having been employed at Thiokol and Picket and Nelson Construction. During this time, he was recruited by Fluor International as a pipe fitter-welder on a new refinery in Toledo, Ohio.

Later, he became a journeyman welder in the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA) Local 57 (now Local 140), where he worked continuously for the next 33 years on refineries, chemical plants, and powerhouses throughout the United States. He retired from Moss Industrial after 16 years of employment. During his time with Moss, he worked on many interesting projects, including the Bobsled/Luge track for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Park City, Utah. In his lifetime, Jim overcame many work and farm related accidents, but he was watched over by a Guardian Angel. If there was a task to be done, Jim could figure out a way to do it. He was a quiet man with a vast amount of knowledge.

A few years into retirement, Jim returned to work for seven more years at Salt Lake Community College as a facilities maintenance specialist, showing his unending work ethic and undefeatable spirit. He loved machines and equipment, had many tractors, mowers, and more for his own yard and personal joy. He took great pride in his yard, and immaculate lawn. We often joked that he had every tool known to man; he practically did and loved to use them helping people. He loved animals, including many adopted cats over the years and the beloved family dog, Tad.

Our family loved being treated to many family trips by our dad, who took us to National Parks, camping, RVing, and enjoying the scenic wonders of the American West, sometimes with friends and family in tow. Visiting Jim's childhood home in Idaho, the home of his dear mother, was a joy shared not only by our family but also by many of our friends.

He was preceded in death by his beautiful daughter, Helene, and is survived by his wife Nadine Thaxton Hart, daughter Natalie Hart (Kort) Prince, son Bradley Jim Hart, daughter Lauren (Danny) Hart, and grandchildren Alanna (Landon), Malcolm, and Effie.

Jim will be deeply missed and remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and for his unwavering devotion to, and testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 11:00 am at the Apple Farms Ward: 3751 South 2200 West, West Valley City, Utah. A viewing will be held preceding the service from 10:00 -10:45 am. Interment service will be held on Monday, February 2, 2026, at 11:00 am at Valley View Memorial Park: 4400 West 4100 South, West Valley City, Utah. The funeral service will be livestreamed.

Zoom meeting ID: applefarmsbishop@gmail.com

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In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the humanitarian fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or to the charity of your choice.