James S. Sawaya, our father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family members on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017.
James was born on July 24, 1927, to Sabeh A. and Nafy R. Sawaya in Kemmerer. He enlisted in the Navy at the age of 18 and spent his duty on the main island in Hawaii. He returned shortly after the war ended and moved to Salt Lake City with his parents. He graduated from the University of Utah Law School in 1954, and went into private practice before being appointed Judge for Murray City in 1959 and subsequently appointed to the Third Judicial District Court in 1970. He gained numerous friends through his years on the bench and was respected and admired by many. He received many awards during his tenure, and retired in 1992 but continued work as a mediator for American Arbitration Association.
Dad married Joyce Pauline Severson in 1956 and considered it the greatest event of his life. They spent years growing an amazing family a ‘gang’ of friends and making this world a better place. Their laughter, love, golf outings, trips to Bear Lake, and numerous gatherings in their home showed their love for each other and life. Dad never met a stranger and endeared people to him no matter the circumstance. Thank you to all the friends and family that visited him, took him to lunch and dinner, engaged in conversation and listened as he told his stories. Oh, how we’ll miss those stories.
He is now dancing again with his wife Joyce and is finally able to hug his parents, his seven older brothers, one sister and all the friends and family that have gone before him. He is survived by his seven ‘ridiculous children and no idea how many grandchildren’ (his words, not ours). We’ve kept track for him and by our account his children are Beverly Simpson, Keith (Becky), Paul (Marla), Judith (Lance) Sampson, Annette (Steve) Chaus, Jim Jr. (Cathy), and Carol (John) Calacino, 25 devoted grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren.
We’re not sure what heaven looks like, but we picture Mom, Dad, their family and friends gathered in God’s presence with laughter and peace. Thank you Dad for your wisdom and for the unconditional love. You are missed already and until we meet again, give Mom a hug for us and know we will love you both always.
There will be a rosary on Friday Sept. 22, at 5 p.m., followed by a viewing from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church (1375 East Spring Lane) in Holladay, Utah. We will celebrate with a funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. Vincent DePaul in Holladay with internment at Murray City Cemetery. There will be a luncheon to follow at the Church. Condolences may be shared at www.jenkins-soffe.com.
Dad was a devout member of St. Vincent’s parish and would be seen every Sunday at 9 a.m. in the back pew. He never missed Mass with the exception of the past month. It is fitting that in lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made in his name to St. Vincent’s Church at 1375 Spring Lane, Holladay, Utah, 84117.
