James Macedone

James Henry Macedone, Sr., passed away on May 31, 2025. Jim was born December 23, 1947 in Berkeley, CA, to Christiana Agnes Canzone and Sebastian (Bennie) Macedone. In early childhood, he lived in San Leandro, where he met Cherese Menhorn, whom he would later marry in 1967. He grew up in Walnut Creek, CA, where he attended Parkmead Elementary and Las Lomas High School. Jim was fascinated and skilled at electronics and music. Jim served for four years in the Navy where his ability to solve problems and his mechanical skills were recognized and utilized in his Navy roles. As an electronics technician, Jim worked with different companies in radar and microwave technologies and serviced electronics at Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART). In 1975, Jim chose to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was later sealed to his family and children. Throughout his life, he grew from a shy young man to a gregarious and outgoing man who made connections with everyone he met. Eventually settling in San Lorenzo, CA with Cherese and their children, Jim went to work with his father in his Oakland electroplating shop, Johnson Plating Works.
Jim went on to work for Johnson Plating Works for over 40 years. Through the years, Jim and Cherese became the parents of 15 children and foster parents of many more. In 1998, Jim and Cherese decided to move their family to Orem, Utah. In their new home, Jim set to work organizing and customizing their space. He built an electronics room to continue his hobby of marine radios. Jim continued to rack up frequent flyer miles flying back and forth to Oakland to continue working at the shop. In 2016, Jim officially retired from the shop, although he was still involved to some degree. His retirement was also only partial because he turned his attention to helping neighbors, friends, and his children with their projects. From organ repair and candy machine refurbishment to epic Halloween displays-Jim could be counted on to devise ingenious ideas and provide solutions to all kinds of problems. Jim shared his love of music with his family--frequently providing the soundtrack at family gatherings on the guitar, banjo, and accordion. The reach of his efforts to serve in the church, support his family, and "love thy neighbor" were widely felt.
After suffering a stroke, Jim passed away on May 31, 2025 surrounded by his family. Jim was preceded in death by his father and mother. He is survived by his wife, Cherese; children: Janet Bell (Daren), Jim Jr. (Nancy), Jeff (Randalynn), John (Antida), Julie Haley-Macedone (Jonathan), Joe (Brooke), Jacob, Josh (Richelle), Jordan (Megan), Jalyn de Moors (Moroni), Jessi, Joanna, Jackson, Jamayka Knuteson (Patrick), & Jade; grandchildren: Lauren, Ethan, Will (Adi), Nick, Rachel, Emily, James III (Lauryn), Dalton (Haley), Tommy (Ally), Chase, Saylor, Ben, Noah, Caitlyn, Jasmine (Jaxsen), Pete, Alex, Alyssa, Elisabeth, Hannah, Eva, Hiram, Max, Luke, Olivia, Maya, Stella, Olyver, Ida, & Izaiah; Great-Grandchild: Luigi; and his sister, Lori Macedone.