Wayne James

Wayne Melvin James, age 95, died Sunday, October 5, 2025, at Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, Utah.

He was born August 1, 1930, in Altoona, Kansas; the 14th of 15 children in the George Ernest and Nancy Mary James family.

He spent his early years in Kansas, moving to Rupert, Idaho in his early teens, and attended and graduated from Rupert High School in 1948. In 1950, his good buddy, Vernal Sheen, introduced him to his cousin, Christine Hymas. She was a sophomore, but he was hooked.

In May, 1951, he was drafted for the Korean War and served until April,1953. He hurried back to Rupert and put a ring on Christine's finger, marrying her July 31, 1953, in the Idaho Falls Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They have enjoyed 72 years of marriage.

Wayne graduated from Idaho State University with a degree in Electrical Engineering and worked for General Electric for a few years before starting his career with the Federal Government.

Wayne retired from the FAA in October, 1997, having served in the government for 40 years. He spent a short time working nights for First Security Bank. He then worked part-time for the Taylorsville Senior Center.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Acie and Faye Hymas; 2 brothers, 2 sisters, 3 half-brothers, and 7 half-sisters. He is survived by his widow, Christine James; children Bruce James, Lonnie James (Tom Florio), Sandra Atkin, and Terry James; 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, October 13, 2025, 1-2:00 p.m. at the Taylorsville 30th Ward, 4252 S. Bennion Road, Taylorsville, Utah. Viewings will be held, Sunday, October 12, 2025, 6-8:00 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah, and again Monday, October 13, 2025, 12-12:45 p.m. at the church.

Interment, Valley View Memorial Park, 4400 West 4100 South, West Valley City, Utah.

For those unable to attend the funeral services, you may click on the following link to observe virtually:

https://tinyurl.com/25k9r5a7