James Martin "Jim" Blumel

James (Jim) Martin Blumel passed away peacefully on September 19, 2025, at the age of 81, surrounded by his family. Jim was born on August 14, 1944, in Huntington Park, California, to Martin Willy Blumel and Gertrude Hedwig Reschuh. His parents, who had joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Germany, immigrated to the United States in the early 1900s. Jim graduated from South Gate High School in Los Angeles in 1962. Soon after, he served a mission in the Spanish American Mission (Texas and New Mexico), forming lifelong friendships with his companions and developing a love for the Spanish language that he carried throughout his life. He faithfully served in many church callings, though his very favorite was working with the children in Primary. After his mission, Jim earned a Bachelor's degree in Spanish and German from Brigham Young University. He began graduate studies in Psychology but ultimately returned to his first love-art. Since childhood, he had an extraordinary gift for drawing and painting, and he went on to work with many respected artists before establishing his own business, Jim Blumel Architectural Illustration. Over the years, he created renderings for countless projects in watercolor, oil, and other mediums. Beyond architecture, Jim loved painting landscapes inspired by drives through the mountains, deserts, and countryside. He was always stopping to photograph rustic barns, old mailboxes, or weathered buildings to paint later. Many family, friends, and clients cherish his artwork as treasured keepsakes. Jim also had a deep love of adventure and the outdoors. He was an avid mountain biker, road cyclist, and motorcyclist. Even into his 80s, he amazed fellow riders, often being asked in disbelief, "How old are you?" His passion for cars began in his youth, racing Volkswagens with college friends, and he was always happiest repairing, detailing, or simply admiring a well-kept vehicle. Above all, Jim's greatest joy was his family. On July 13, 1985, he married the love of his life, Debbie. For more than forty years, theirs was a marriage filled with love, laughter, and shared devotion. Together they blended their families, each bringing three young children into one home, and Jim lovingly embraced his role as husband, dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa. His playful spirit, humor, and kindness made him not just a father but often "the seventh kid" in the family. Jim is survived by his wife, Debbie; his sister, Sandra Van Valkenburg; his children Robert Ironroad, Matthew Ironroad, Robert Blumel, Richard Blumel (and wife Wendy), Rebecca Blumel, and Christopher Ironroad (and wife Shalon); his grandchildren Skye, Kade, Alisa, Hannah, Elizabeth, Etta, Abagayle, Garett, Penelope, John Thomas, Brayden, Lana, Mikayla, and Caitlyn; and his great-grandchildren, Nyal and Stoney. He is also survived by a large and loving extended family-including stepchildren from his first marriage, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and many friends-all of whom held a special place in his heart. He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Gertrude ("Hedi"); his sister, Rochelle; Debbie's daughter, Lisa Louise, whom he has now finally met; and his granddaughter, Loralie. Jim's life was filled with creativity, faith, adventure, and, most of all, love. Those who knew him will remember not only his art, laughter, and tireless energy, but also his unwavering devotion to his family, which was at the heart of everything he did. Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, September 26, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (465 W 700 S, Lehi) for a viewing from 9:30-10:45 a.m., followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. Jim will be laid to rest at Lehi Cemetery.