Gary James Obituary
Gary Lee James, Sr., passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026. He was born on October 10, 1942, In Longview, Washington, to Howard Leland James and Minta Della (Weekley) James.
Gary's interests and hobbies were always with architecture, construction, and buying and maintaining vehicles. He graduated from South Salem High School in 1960 and immediately joined the Air Force.
He married Yuka Sasaki, November 15, 2001, and they have many fond memories of living together in West Jordan, visiting neighbors, and working together as school bus drivers for the Jordan School District.
Gary took great joy in spending time with the children each day. He was deeply committed in getting them to school and field trips, and back home safely.
Gary is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Yuka Sasaki James, his children, Shawn Alan James, Michelle R Taylor, Sheryl Dee Walsh, Gary Lee James, Jr., and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Surviving siblings are Mark James (Carole), Myrna Beasley (Richard), and Brent James (Pamela). He is preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Minta James, and his grandson, Shawn "Alan" James, Jr.
It was Gary's wishes that there will be no memorial or graveside services.
He will be remembered by all of us for his generosity, his laughter, and his kindness.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
Emily Workman
January 16, 2026
We are so sad about Gary´s passing. He was so sweet to my boys who rode his bus and even the little ones that didn´t yet. It always brightened my day to get a wave with a big smile from him in the mornings with the occasional famous $2 bills. It meant the world to me that my kids had such a kind, loving, warm, friendly bus driver. They were in good hands. I always loved that he taught the boys to let the girls get on first and everyone got a fist bump from him as they got on. It´s not the same seeing that bus pull up everyday but I´m so grateful for the time we had with him. Thank you Gary for everything! We love you!
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
67 East 8000 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84047
Make a Donation
in Gary James's name
People and places connected with Gary
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Gary's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Gary James's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
