James Howard Updegraff

James Howard Updegraff A Gentle and Quiet Man James Howard Updegraff, 86, passed away peacefully in his home on December 3, 2007 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Jim was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be sorely missed, and will remain in our hearts always.Jim was born James Howard Updegraff on June 26, 1921 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Howard Ehmsen Updegraff and Almyra Evelyn Van Natta Updegraff. He grew up on Wall Street in Salt Lake City and graduated from West High School. After serving in the United States Army during World War II, he graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor's degree in English. On September 1, 1949, Jim and his sweetheart, Iris Delila Brown were married in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity. They moved to Beaver, Utah, where Jim began work as a school teacher. They eventually returned to Salt Lake City, where Jim worked for the United States Postal Service as a carrier and supervisor for 27 years. He approached everything he did with integrity and humility. He was a hard-working, giving, honest and loving man. Jim was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in numerous callings throughout his life. He served a full-time mission to the New England States Mission. He loved those he taught and served with in his church service. Learning and teaching were hallmarks of this genuinely good man throughout his life. Books were a passion in Jim's life. He was a voracious reader, and loved books of all kinds and on any topic. His love for books led him to be a tremendous resource on any subject. In conversation, Jim would astound those around him with his depth of knowledge and the ability to know precisely what book contained the needed information, story, or anecdote to provide his listener with deeper under-standing. It was fortunate for those who knew him that Jim loved to teach. He found great satisfaction doing volunteer work for nearly 20 years at the Guadalupe School teaching English, and was able to touch the lives of all he taught there. Jim also had a love and respect for the earth and its many creations. He loved nature, hiking and spending time outdoors. This last September, he gathered his family together for what would be one last hike to the top of Ensign Peak to mark the Autumnal Equinox. Jim was a phenomenal cook and had a true love for gardening. He was known for his homemade bread, pizza and taffy. He made everything from scratch and enjoyed planting, tending and harvesting his garden every year. Eating anything prepared from Jim's garden was a delicacy. He and Iris spent many hours together in the kitchen preparing meals, bottling and canning. Jim was a devoted and loving husband, whose relationship with his beautiful wife, Iris (whom he affectionately called "Siri") was exemplary to everyone. He extended his tender love and gentle manner to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as he endlessly taught them, both collectively and one-on-one. They enjoyed spending time together regardless of the activity. Ever a man of eloquence, Jim was an expert Scrabble player and his family always looked forward to Scrabble games with Grandpa. His respect and love for words will have a lasting influence on his posterity. He is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Iris Delila Brown Updegraff, his children Judith Bivin (Gary), Marie Hendriksen (Neil), Susan Stinson (Loyd), Milton James Updegraff (Marcia), 11 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren, and his sisters, Gail Jackson, Ardis Cushing Bitner (Blaine), and Kathleen Featherstone (Jim). Jim is preceded in death by his parents and a son, David Howard Updegraff. Services will be held on Friday, Dec. 7th, at 12 noon at the Richards Ward, 855 Garfield Ave. (1852 S), in Salt Lake City, Utah. Family and friends may call Thurs. evening from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple and Fri., 10:45-11:45 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment, Salt Lake City Cemetery. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.larkinmortuary.com