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Dean Rich Vaterlaus, 90, passed away Friday, July 3, 2020 in Mesa, Arizona.

Dean was born on March 25, 1930 in Montpelier, Idaho to Ernest and Virginia Vaterlaus and grew up in Montpelier, Idaho.  He married Barbara Olsen on September 21, 1953.  Together they raised three sons and three daughters.  Dean spent his life in service to his family, community and church.

Dean graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Business Administration and, after serving in the military, he was hired by Schering-Plough where he worked for forty-two years as a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative.

He served in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all of his life.  As a young man, Dean served a mission for the Church in the Central States Mission.  He served as a counselor in the Tucson Stake Presidency.  He worked in the Stake Young Men’s presidency and was an active leader in the Boy Scouts of America for many years.  Dean served as Bishop of the Tucson Fifth Ward.  He also served as Stake Patriarch.  Dean and Barbara served a mission for the Church in the Bolivia, Cochabamba Mission.

Dean is survived by his wife of 67 years, Barbara Olsen Vaterlaus; Children Richard (Gaye) Vaterlaus of Gilbert Arizona, Stanford (Susan) Vaterlaus of Tucson Arizona, Ann (Steve) Clark of Mesa Arizona, Paul (Betsy) Vaterlaus of Mesa Arizona, Rebeccah (Keith) Cannon of Cave Creek Arizona, Patricia (Kenneth) Haynie of Vail Arizona, 34 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren and two foster daughters.

Dean Rich Vaterlaus will be interred at the Mesa Cemetery in Mesa Arizona.  Due to current social distancing requirements, funeral services and viewing will be limited to family.

Little Marco had a huge heart and the patience of a saint.   Little Marco loved to spend hours being creative with his Legos, playing Xbox, and playing with & collecting Pokémon and Magic the Gathering.  Little Marco was a gifted child & beloved by all those he came across.  Especially his big sister who would send him out to ask for snacks at night, and his little brother who loved to play Legos & Xbox with his “Coco”.

Little Marco was survived by Jennifer Mendoza (Mom), Marco Mendoza (Dad), Isaiah Mendoza (brother), Taleah Mendoza (Sister), Todd Jordan Weber “TJ” (Brother), Todd Weber (Magic partner & Friend), Grandmother Diane Martin  Uncles: Gonzolo Mendoza (Melissa), Jason Martin (Liza), Juan Mendoza.  Aunts: Alissa Vantassell (Jeff) Liz Martin, Mercedes Resendiz (Juan) And Godparents Heber and Darrell Lee Garcia, and countless friends. 

John Martin (grandpa) preceded death 

Little Marco left us much too soon, and anyone who met him knows how much little Marco had a HUGE impact on all of our lives.

Marco, we love you, we miss you, and we know you will always be watching over us with that smile. 

In lieu of flowers please honor Marco’s sweet spirit by spreading kindness and love. Buy the person behind you a cup of coffee, donate time to a charity, say hello to strangers, be a good person.

Funeral will be help at Bunker’s University Chapel in Mesa on Friday, July 10th.  Due to COVID we are keeping it to immediate family. 

A celebration of life gathering will be held at our apartment on Saturday July 11^th from 10-2.  For details & directions please email or call the following so we can have an accurate count of possible attendees: Todd Weber (stepdad) 801-391-5279 or rawlegold@yahoo.com

Frank E. Davis was a young 85 year old, full of hope and resilience, passed away June 17, 2020 surrounded by family.  It was a tender goodbye for his wife Susan and the many children, grandchildren and great grand-children and many friends who loved him.

Frank was born, Frank E. Frazer August 10, 1934 in Los Angeles, California.  He was the only child of Ora Benson and Emory Frazer.  Frank was proud of his ancestry and Scottish heritage.  At five years old his father died.  He inherited his father’s inquisitive mind with an aptitude for mechanical engineering.  Frank grew up during WWII in Los Angeles and his mother worked in an aviation plant.  His summers were spent in Parowan with his Benson grandparents working on the family farm.  His mother remarried and Frank was adopted by Gerald T. Davis.

Frank graduated from Torrance High School where he played football and basketball. His work ethic, quiet, unassuming manner, and zest for life afforded him an impressive job opportunity.  At age 18 he was hired by NCR Corporation as their youngest computer specialist.  Franks affinity for problem solving and leadership provided him a successful 40 year career.

He married Mitzi B. Trimiew and received a draft notice as a wedding present. He was inducted April 1957, and was sent to Fort Lewis Washington.  Frank received top marksmen and finished basic training first in his unit.  His unit consisting of 389 men went to Korea.  He was pulled to serve in the Adjutants General Corp as part of a top secret military operation reporting to the Pentagon.

It was here he joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  Serving in numerous positions loving the people he served.  Scouting and mentoring young men became a life long passion.  Frank loved to hunt, fish, ride motorcycles, read, study history, camp and spend time with the grandchildren.

Frank and Mitzi raised their family of five in Orange County, California.  Later moving to Southern Utah, and settling in Parowan. Frank was a loving father and husband who devotedly cared for Mitzi until her death.

Frank’s positive spirit was the gift he freely gave.  In the summer of 2005, lives changed forever.  He met and later married Susan W. Brown. Together they planted seeds that grew into a wonderful life. The family continues to multiply.

Frank is survived by his sweetheart, Susan B. Davis, Mark E. Davis, Meliss (Troy) Houston, Denise (Cornell) Orton, Celeste (Steve) Johnson, Matthew (Angie) Brown, Timothy (Mysti) Brown, Andrew (Tammy) Brown, Benjamin (Shauni) Brown Joshua Brown, Jacob (Lisa) Brown, Angus (Lacey) Brown, Blake (Kallie) Brown, 50 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by Mitzi Davis, Scott E. Davis and Nathan T. Johnson.

Funeral Services
July 10, 2020 @ 10:00 am
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
1005 N Voyager, Gilbert, AZ
Due to Covid-19, the funeral service will be restricted to family and invited guest.

Televised Service:
July 10, 2020 @ 10:00 am
https://youtu.be/faOJM4b3btU

Interment
Gilbert Memorial Cemetery
2100 E. Queen Creek Road
Gilbert, Arizona

Celebration of Life
July 18, 2020   3:00 – 5:00 pm
LDS Church 25 North Main

Irby Jean Blakesley, 78, went to be with the Lord in the evening on June 22, 2020 after valiantly battling ALS for more than three years.  She is survived by her sisters Eloise (Ron) Hartbarger and Inez (Robert) Luckie, her former husband Robert Blakesley, her son James Blakesley and daughter Carol (Lee) Scarpitto, and three grandchildren.

Jean was born to Irby and Lottie Mae Faircloth at Georgiana, Alabama on November 27, 1941. She attended church and participated in the choir and other activities.  She embraced a hardworking lifestyle and earned money by churning and selling butter.  Her steadfast respect for others would never allow her to accept racism, for she treated everyone cordially.  Later she graduated a business college and worked as a secretary.

In 1961 she married Robert Blakesley who was serving in the Air Force.  They lived in Montgomery, Alabama where her children were born before moving to Mesa, Arizona.  Jean became employed at Motorola where she enjoyed a successful 30-year career that culminated in an important role working closely with Design Engineers.  She was well satisfied from her accomplishments for years to come.

Jean had a passion for reading that lasted her entire life, and she would frequently share her books with others.  She was intelligent and possessed a wealth of knowledge that covered many subjects. She took great pride in her family roots, her siblings, and in her children and grandchildren.  She found joy in helping others, especially if she could help someone solve a problem or learn more about themself.  She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, watching her favorite programs on television, assembling and framing interesting puzzles for display, and occasionally playing the slots at a local casino.

Because of her unwavering kindness, her caring and love for others the world became a better place in the lives of those she touched.  She is dearly missed and she will not be forgotten.

The family requests donations be made in Jean Blakeley’s name to the Arizona Chapter of the ALS Association or to Dream Catchers.

James (Jim) Donald Coleman was born in Faulkton, South Dakota, on March 14^th, 1950 to Donald Coleman and Anna (Parrett) Coleman.  He grew up in Dupree, SD.  Graduating from Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD, with a degree in finance, he rodeoed through high school and college, riding broncs and bulls.  Jim was employed by Farm Credit Services of America for over 40 years, serving in several different positions and locations including Imperial, NE, Casper, WY, Rapid City, SD, Omaha, NE, Lincoln, NE, Spokane, WA, and Sioux Falls, SD.  He retired in Mesa, AZ.

Jim was a friend of Bill W’s and after going through treatment, remained sober for the next 42 years.  He was a caring husband, loving father, grandfather, son and brother. Jim was a jack-of-all trades always there to help anyone in need or simply be their friend.  Being an outgoing, energetic, charismatic person, there was never a stranger in the room when Jim was there.

He enjoyed camping and spending his time on his Harley and in his Corvettes, preferring convertibles so he and his wife, Sheila, could enjoy the outdoors.  As busy as he was, he always found time to play poker 3 days a week, another favored pastime.               .

Jim loved sports and history.  Not only was he a season ticket holder for the Denver Broncos and avid fan of Nebraska football and girls’ basketball, Jim would attend local high school football games just to watch them play.

In 1980, he married Sheila Enger from Watertown, SD.  They were blessed with two daughters, Callie Woodland (Nathan) of Kansas City and Christie Banks (Brian), Omaha.  He was always eager to spend time with his grandchildren, Justin, Jackson and Harper.  Jim was also a second father to Travis (LaShawn) Yarbrough, Minneapolis, Sheila’s son from a previous relationship and enjoyed their 3 children, Erica, Cameron and Connor.

On June 23rd, 2020, having a strong faith, Jim left this earthly world to be with the Lord surrounded by his loving wife and children.  He was preceded in death by his father, Don, his mother, Anna, his sister, Marsha (Gary) Frame, his brother Bobby Coleman, and his father-in-law Gary Enger.  He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, brother Tom (Laurie) Coleman of Bismarck, ND, and mother-in-law Mattie Enger, Mesa, AZ.

Jim’s ashes will be spread in the Black Hills on the mountaintop where he was married, August 23, 2020 on what would have been his 40^th wedding anniversary.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Marilyn Louise (Anderson) Norton, 88, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away on June 21, 2020.

Marilyn was born in Weiser, Idaho on July 28, 1931 to Laurel John and Edith Haslam (Archibald) Anderson.  Marilyn married her husband Joseph Clair Norton in Weiser, Idaho on October 28, 1949. They were blessed with 8 children while living in Idaho and 2 more children joined the family after moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1964.  

Marilyn was not your typical grandma. She wasn’t the sweet old lady that baked or put a band-aid on your boo-boo. She didn’t coddle us, but she did love us. She was a strong and independent woman. She was the designated driver when her friends in Vegas would drive to the beach because the rest of the ladies were too anxious about navigating an unfamiliar city. She didn’t drive like a grandma. She wasn’t afraid to climb up on a roof to fix it, even when she was pregnant. Or drive herself to the hospital when she was in labor. She would just take care of whatever needed to be done.

Marilyn was one tough lady. She enjoyed telling stories about growing up on a farm without plumbing in Oregon. She was proud of having raised ten kids. She knew the deep snow of Idaho and West Virginia and the desert heat of Phoenix and Las Vegas.

Marilyn loved her husband very much. Since he passed away nearly two decades ago, she spoke often of wanting to be with him again. It seems appropriate that our mom has been reunited with our dad on this day, Father’s Day.

Marilyn easily made friends everywhere she went and will be missed by many.

Marilyn is survived by her children: Joseph (Kelly), Connie (Rodger Summers), Patricia (David Oakden), Alice (Brad Thurston), Susan (Stephen Dart), Chris (KC), Jon (Tammy), Michelle (Jeremy Luquin); Daughters-In-Law Phyllis (Philip Norton) and Marilyn (Steven Norton; 41 grandchildren and 92 great-grandchildren.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents Laurel John and Edith Haslam (Archibald) Anderson.

Her husband Joseph Clair Norton, sons Philip Loran and Steven Thomas Norton and her brother Laurel Dean Anderson.

George Nelson Berry, 89, passed away on Thursday, June 18, 2020, in Mesa Arizona.  George was born in Fresno, California, retired from the US Air Force and then was graduated from Arizona State University.  George is survived by his daughters, Kimberly (Bryan) Schmidt, Melissa (Mark) Tompert and Becky Stallings, nine grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by wives Mary Lee and Luella and son Greg Stallings.  A funeral service will be held at Bunkers Mortuary, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ, on Friday, June 26, at 9am.  There will be a viewing on Thursday, June 25, 6-8pm at the mortuary.

Mary E Sparkes, 95, was called home on June 20, 2020. There to meet her were her husband Roy, and daughter Katherine Black as well as her parents, sisters and brothers. Left with many wonderful memories are her sons Thomas Buntin and Richard Buntin, grandchildren Jodie Black, Cassandra Black, Richard Black, Jacklyn Buntin, and Franklin Buntin and 9 great-grandchildren, cousins and many nieces and nephews.

She was born June 14, 1925 in Washington Mills, New York. Mary joined the Women’s Army Corps in 1944. She was assigned as a VIP Chauffeur to transport dignitaries to and from Los Alamos National Laboratory to Santa Fe, New Mexico. She drove physicists, chemists, generals and physicians as well as Paul Tibbets who dropped the Atomic Bomb. They were all informed to not speak to anyone about the Atomic Bomb testing that was nearby.  She never mentioned what she actually did in the Army until recent years when she read a book about the Manhattan Project and decided it was now okay to talk.

Mary later got her pilot’s license and became a Civil Air Patrol Lieutenant.  She then attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. She went to work for Sears and became a buyer of women’s clothing.

After 29 years working for Sears, she retired in 1988 and moved to Mesa, Arizona. She became active in several adult retirement communities where she lived and loved to organize sightseeing day trips around Arizona. She also became an avid Bridge player.

The immediate family will hold a private memorial service at a date, time and place to be determined.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of choice. Cancer research or dementia research would be of interest to her.

David Lee Armentrout of Mesa, Arizona and formerly of Oskaloosa, Iowa, passed away on June 8, 2020 in Mesa, Arizona after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.  He was born February 6, 1953, in Ottumwa, Iowa to Ivan and Loretta (Paxton) Armentrout.  David attended Eddyville High School and graduated in 1971.

David worked at Vermeer as a welder for 28 years before moving to Mesa, Arizona in 2002.  In Arizona, he continued to work as a welder until retiring in early 2019. David had numerous hobbies and interests which include camping, motorcycles, cars, traveling, off-roading, and fabricating anything imaginable out of metal. David will be dearly missed by his family and numerous friends who shared his love for these hobbies.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Ivan and Loretta (Paxton) Armentrout.  He is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Kathleen (DeGeus), daughter Lori (Matthew) Wiese (Maegan, Ethan, Lauren, Gretchen), and daughter Marcia (Virgil) Silhanek (Evan).  Also surviving are his sisters Beverly (Lawrence) Woten, Connie (Danny) Bircher, and Sherie (Dennis) Saylor, as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Visitation for family and friends will be held from 1-5 PM on Saturday, July 18, 2020 at the Kinsmen’s Keep Banquet Hall located at 302 N. A St., Oskaloosa, Iowa. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (pancan.org) in David’s memory.

On Tuesday, June 9, 2020, C. Scott Hansen, devoted husband and father, left his earthly family to join his parents in Heaven. He passed away surrounded in love at the age of 85.

Scott was born on September 9, 1934 in Spring City, Utah to Catherine (Draper) and Waldo (Jimmy) Hansen. Scott was a financier as a profession but began his career as a furniture artisan. He married his eternal love, Joyce Tucker, in the Salt Lake Temple on November 23, 1955. They lovingly raised two sons, David and Larry, and five daughters, Kathy, Mindy, Lisa, Lynne, and Holly.

Scott was a true Renaissance man with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, passion for teaching the youth, and cherished family. He loved history, studying Spanish, genealogy, music, was an avid sports fan, and pitched a baseball fast enough to knock the catcher down. Scott was known for his smile, quick wit, and charisma. He was loving, kind, and selfless. Some of his most treasured moments were spent listening to laughter as he threw his children and grandchildren over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes, counted their ribs, and entrusted them with the serious job of taste testing various flavors of ice cream. He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, served in the Southern States Mission, and various church callings including counselor in the bishopric, bishop, and temple ordinance worker in Mesa and Gilbert Temples. Scott’s presence on earth was like a pebble dropped into a pond, intersecting and touching hearts like countless ripples.

Scott was preceded in death by his father, mother, sister Bonnie, brother LaVoy (Toy), step-brothers Delno and Roy. He is survived by his wife Joyce, seven children, brother Jack and wife Thea, sister Erlene, sister Gail and her husband Joseph, 29 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

The immediate family will hold a private memorial service to express their love and honor his life on July 4, 2020. He will be interred at Spring City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org

Harold “Dan” Higgins passed away on June 16, 2020. He was born in Safford, Arizona on July 26, 1940, the third child of John “Carl” Carlos Higgins and Myrtle Dean Foote. His father passed away when Dan was 18 years old, while his mother lived to age 93. His brother Jay and sister Roberta “Beth” (Lucas) predeceased him during the last decade.

Dan grew up in Thatcher, helping out at home with milking the cow and doing household chores. He went to junior college at Eastern Arizona College in Thatcher then moved to Tempe, Arizona at age 20 to attend Arizona State University. Dan served honorably in the Eastern Atlantic States mission from 1961-1963 for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

After resuming his studies at ASU, Dan met Diana Christine Stewart. They were married in the Mesa Arizona Temple on June 6, 1964. He graduated with a bachelor of science degree in Electrical Engineering. Dan and Diana lived briefly in Tempe then Mesa but moved to the Chandler/Gilbert area in 1968. They lived there for over 40 years, raising their children in the Tremaine Park neighborhood with acre lots, giving plenty of room for the kids to play and learn to work.

Dan worked as an electrical engineer for Motorola, Cerprobe, and a few other firms. He was vice president of Fresh Technologies and then president of VTE. Dan specialized in wafer-board testing and developed 16 patents in the industry. His career took him to Japan around 20 times as he worked with colleagues overseas on research and development. In his later years, Dan developed Alzheimer’s disease and was supported by Diana for a number of years. He spent his final months in a memory care facility in Mesa, Arizona.

Dan loved to be with his family, often spending a few weeks each summer visiting extended family away from home. He enjoyed being surrounded by his family at gatherings and loved to watch his grandchildren play as the family gathered together for holidays. Dan taught his children the importance of work as well as service. Dan served in many capacities over the years as an active member of the Church, including as ward mission leader and as a counselor in a bishopric.

Dan is survived by his beloved wife and companion Diana, their daughter, Debbie (Haslem), and eight of their sons: Dane, Derrel, David, Derek, Daniel, Dustin, Doug, and Dallin. Their dear son Drew, their third son, passed away as an infant. He leaves 46 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. 

A viewing will be held this Saturday, June 20, 2020, from 4-6pm at Bunker Family Funerals at the Garden Chapel on 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa AZ, 85201. On Monday, June 22, 2020, there will be a viewing from 10-11am then a funeral service starting at 11:30am at the same location. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the funeral will be held for family only. Masks are required for all services. 

*Those attending services to honor Jayke will be required to wear a facemask and adhere to physical distancing guidelines at the mandate of the Governor and Mayor.

For those who are uncomfortable attending, the services can be viewed at the following link: Live Stream

Jayke Todd Ellingson, age 16, passed away peacefully on June 12th, 2020. Jayke was born on May 18th, 2004 in Mesa, Arizona to his parents Jayson and Kara Ellingson.

Jayke had a true talent and passion for skateboarding and living life to the fullest.  He continually encouraged others to get outside their comfort zones and not sweat the small stuff.  His fun personality was contagious and helped make him so many friends everywhere he went.  Jayke leaves so many lasting memories with all his family, cousins and friends.

Jayke is survived by his parents, his brother Tommy, his sisters Graci and Olivia.  His grandparents Jay and Melody Ellingson.  His grandma Brenda Ethington and so many Aunts, Uncles and adoring cousins Jayke was so close with and will be truly missed by.

The family finds comfort knowing he was welcomed home in the arms of his deceased grandpa Daryle Len Ethington who passed away on the same day just last year.

Viewing to be held at Bunker Mortuary, 3529 E. University, Mesa 85213, Friday June 19th from 6-8 pm.

Funeral Service Saturday, June 20th at 10:30 am with a private family viewing starting at 9:30am. Bunker’s Gilbert Memorial Park Mortuary, 2100 E Queen Creek Rd, Gilbert 85297.

Final resting place at the Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N Center St. following the funeral service.

To upload memories or pictures of Jayke please visit – https://u.pcloud.com/#page=puplink&code=U197ZuOsnx6PujAXWFMxv7G6BNBybHYyV

Joseph L. Hanson, born June 6, 1994, passed away on June 13, 2020 at Chandler Regional Hospital.  Joseph was born in Salt Lake City, Utah and moved with his family to Arizona in 2005. Joe attended schools and worked in the Ahwatukee community. Joseph loved his friends and his family and always brought a smile to everyone.

Joseph was preceded in death by all 4 of his grandparents.  He leaves behind his parents, Larry and Julie as well as his sister, Deb and friends.

A Celebration of his life will be held Thursday, June 18th at 10am at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases https://nfid.z2systems.com/np/clients/nfid/donation.jsp  .

You can cc Deb for any donations: debhanson297@gmail.com

Thank you

Geraldine Bigelow, born September 17, 1929, in Taylor, Arizona.   Loving wife of Darrel L. Bigelow, honored and devoted Mother of Terry L. Bigelow, Sandra E. Bowers, and Donald G. Bigelow, she passed on June 11, 2020, in Gilbert, Arizona.  She is survived by brothers Larry and Ron Oliver, and sisters Clydene Mizer, Cherie Hathcock, and Sue Hundley.  Given the title of “Gra”, she always set the standard in being a shining light for her great love, caring, and compassion for her 11 Grandchildren, 19 Great-Grandchildren, 3 Great-Great Grandchildren, and innumerable Nieces and Nephews.  She delighted in nothing more than Travelling with her Family, visiting and getting together with those scattered across the west, including Alaska, Oregon, and Idaho, but Mesa, Arizona was always home.  She enjoyed listening to the music of Dean Martin, and watching John Wayne movies, especially when sharing with guests in her home.   Services are to be held at the Ward Building located at 925 N Harris in Mesa at 11:00 am on Thursday, June 18, with viewing 1 hour prior to services.  Interment will be at the Mesa Cemetery on Center Street, 1212 N. Center Street in Mesa.   Arrangements are being handled by Bunker’s Mortuary.  

With great sadness, I want to announce that my beloved husband, Jerry Martin Cumbo, passed away Wednesday, June 10, 2020 in Mesa, Arizona.  Jerry was born in Hartford, Connecticut on November 2, 1948 to Lorretta Hotchkiss Cumbo.  Jerry loved being retired, spending time with Ruby, his dog and loving his Cardinals. 

He was preceded in death by his son Joseph “Joe” Cumbo; his Mother Loretta Hotchkiss Cumbo; and Father Joseph Mariea Cumbo.  Jerry is survived by his wife Georgia Cumbo; brother David Cumbo; 3 grandchildren, Jayden and Alexis Cumbo, and Jude Fox Gardea; 3 sons, Arthur, Matthew, and Adrian; Daughter-in-Laws, Morgan Gardea and Kari Cumbo.  He will be missed by all those who knew him and loved him.

The world has lost an amazing man, but heaven gained an angel.  Love you my love! 

James Michael Williams (77) of Mesa, Arizona died peacefully at home on June 7, 2020. He was born September 17, 1942 to Sanford Lee and Edith Marie Williams, in Akron, Ohio. He joined the United States Air Force in 1964, where he was known as Willie, and served with the 463^rd Tactical Airlift Wing in Vietnam where he earned numerous commendations and was honorably discharged in 1968.  He was a proud Teamster, driving long and short haul trucking routes for the majority of his career. 

Jim had many hobbies, including woodworking, amateur radio, backyard barbecuing, and genealogy. He enjoyed camping and traveling in his RV with his wife of 29 years, Kat, and their beloved dog Ruby Tuesday, but more than anything he treasured the time he spent with family and friends.  

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Sanford Eugene (Joann C.) and Robert K., sister Betty Jane (Joseph Louis Meis, Jr.), brother-in-law William C. Beatty., and sister-in-law Patricia Ann.  

He is survived by his wife Kathleen Ann, sister Shirley June Beatty, and brother Thomas Lee. His legacy lives on with his oldest daughter Shannon-Marie Riggs, her son Michael, his youngest daughter Tracy Michele Sedlak, and her sons Matthew, Jordan, and Trey.  He will be missed by his step-sons Christopher, Jason (Victoria), and Heath (Sandy) Sangster. 

Services for this adored husband, dad, papa, grandpa, brother, uncle and friend will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to the Wounded Warrior Project.