James Henry Deans
1954 - 2019
James Henry Deans passed away on Thursday, July 4th, 2019 surrounded by those he loved. Born February 6, 1954, he was the son of James Lloyd and Genna Vee Deans. After high school, he attended the University of Utah and served in the Sweden Stockholm Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jim went on to receive a juris doctorate from Southwestern Law School and later established his own law practice in Salt Lake City. Jim married Kathryn Virginia Labrum on November 20, 1980 in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they had five children. With an endless devotion to his family and friends, Jim passed on a legacy of faith and charity.
Jim is survived by his wife Kathy; his children Timothy (Camilla), Kristi (Dave), Wesley, Courtney (Matt) and Heather; his brother John Deans and sister Cindy Petersen; his 9 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. James was preceded in death by his parents.
A viewing will be held Friday, July 12th, 2019 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the chapel at 4917 Viewmont Street, Holladay, Utah 84117. Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 13, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the same location.

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Published by Deseret News on Jul. 11, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for James Deans

12 Entries

Bill Morrison

September 22, 2019

I just heard about James' death. I am so sorry, and he will be truly missed. He was one of my heroes and how he dealt with the difficulties of diabetes was phenomenal and awe inspiring. He was always extremely fair as an attorney and I referred many clients. No one was better in landlord/tenant law (which he pretty much wrote!) I think I still owed you a lunch, Jim!

Russell Cline

September 19, 2019

I only learned of Jim's passing this evening. I have known Jim for decades. He was the best. He was a friend, a mentor and a colleague. The last time I saw him he told me that he had been "lucky." When I asked what he meant by that, he said that he had been "lucky" because he had been so blessed throughout his life. Jim set the gold standard for all of us. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Candice Smart-Enriquez

August 3, 2019

I worked with Jim for many years at the District Court. We first met while there was still a Circuit Court. He was the eviction attorney and I handled evictions with many of the judges. He worked side by side with my sister Pamela and the apartment complexes she managed. He will be greatly missed and will always be remembered as a great friend.

James Ziter

July 25, 2019

Dear Deans Family: I'm really heart-sick to learn of Jim's unexpected passing. Jim was one of my close friends, and has been one of my most influential mentors for more than 20 years. To say he was a great lawyer is a meaningless understatement. Over the decades we litigated against each other, and have been on the same side of the table many times, and he acted the same way - no matter his role - with class, integrity, honesty, and good cheer. When we spoke recently, I mentioned to him that he had unintentionally graduated from merely being an attorney, to being more of a statesman in the profession. He was an unwavering example of what folks practicing law should aspire to be.
Deans Family: I don't even have words to express how sad I am for your loss; thank you so much for loaning Jim to me over the years.
And Jim, in case you're listening, next time we meet up, I won't forget I owe you lunch. Rest easy my friend.

Ned & Alene Mangelson

July 14, 2019

Kathy & Family, we were saddened to learn of the passing of Jim. He was & is such a fine man, son, husband & father. We send our love & condolences & pray the Lord will comfort & sustain you all until you are reunited with Jim.
We are out of town & sorry we could not attend the funeral & extend our love in person. Ned & Alene

Steve and Liz Doxey

July 13, 2019

We'll miss Jim's quiet, cheerful way and fun sense of humor--a trait Heather inherited. He was my go-to guy on landlord-tenant matters, and clearly was for many others. We're grateful for the association we have had with Jim--however infrequent--over the years. Our sympathies to Kathy and all of the family.

Craig Park

July 12, 2019

Jim was one of my youth leaders at church while I was a teenager over 20 years ago. I always knew Jim cared about me as a person--and that care and concern went beyond just what was happening at church. He would even come to attend my games and matches in high school. He is a great man who will be missed. I am very sad to hear of his passing. Until we meet again, brother. Best wishes to his wonderful wife and kids.

Jim & Debbie Dye

July 11, 2019

Jim are honestly one of the most spiritual people I have ever had the privilege to meet. My life will not be the same without your great anecdotes and always taking the opportunity to share your testimony with others - friend or stranger it didn't matter. Kathy please know you're always in my thoughts and prayers and I'll be here for you as long as you want me to be. Everything about Jim will be sorely missed by my entire family. Thank you Jim for all you gave us spiritually, personally and legally. There isn't another like you and I look forward to the day I can see my friend again.
I truly love you Kathy and I pray for your peace and comfort now and always as well as your beautiful family. Jim lived such a good life and did so much for others. I am honored to have known him and to call you both my friends.

Eternally friends

David & Terese Cracroft

July 11, 2019

Dear Jim:
Thank you for your loving and caring example. You have always maintained your cheerful countenance. And you've forever expressed yourself articulately, and always in a caring way. We know that you'll continue to do so, and will watch over and influence your family. May the good Lord comfort and cheer them, too!

July 10, 2019

Jim was a great guy and always had time to chat and talk about his legal specialties. Although he normally evicted people on behalf of the landlord he seemed delighted to give counsel on how to beat the landlord when the occasion called for it. Jim started out in the same law office sharing suite as I did and never hesitated to give his insights into the legal process and his specialty of landlord-tenant. Jim was a solid basketball player with very quick moves and excellent acceleration and outstanding ball handling skills and a golfing mainstay at the Bonneville Golf Course. Jim's smile and contagious laugh and love for people will long be remembered.

Tom Rasmussen

July 10, 2019

Jim was a great and lasting friend. I very much hope to see him again.

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