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1937 - 2013

BORN

1937

DIED

2013

About

Ventura College

Jim Utter Obituary

Jim Utter passed away on December 27, 2013, at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City. Jim was born in Ventura on February 15, 1937. He attended local Ventura schools, graduating from Ventura College, and still has many longtime friends in Ventura. Jim served in the US Air Force for six years, followed by 27 years as a California Highway Patrol officer. He enjoyed coaching his sons in Packers youth football and Montalvo Little League baseball in Ventura. Jim was extremely proud of his family and always put family first.

Jim is survived by his wife Clema, of 57 years of OKC; brother Dick Utter and Pat of Ventura; sons Glenn Utter and Wenona of Ojai; Steve Utter and Becky of Temecula; and daughter, Peggy Utter of OKC. He is also survived by grandchildren; Greg Utter of Ventura; Amber Burns and Jim of OKC; Casey Lopez of OKC; Jenna Utter and Adam Utter of Temecula; and Erika Taylor of Ojai; as well as three great-grandchildren: Anthony, Launa and Karina, all of Ojai. He was preceded in death by parents Bill and Esther Utter; brother Bill Utter, Jr., and grandson David Utter. Jim will be dearly missed.

At Jim's request, there will be no funeral service. Anyone wishing to do so, may make a donation in Jim's name to the Wounded Warrior Project at support.woundedwarriorproject.org/wwp.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Ventura County Star from Jan. 14 to Jan. 17, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Jim Utter

26 Entries

January 23, 2014

I knew and liked Jimmy for 15 years while I was in Ventura. He was a good man and a good Patrolman. N. C. Tobin #5207

Pam Skillman

January 23, 2014

I remember all the great times we had visiting Uncle Jim and Aunt Clema (Glenn, Peggy and Steven) in Ventura and them visiting us in various places over the years. The cousins were always thick as thieves when we got together and Uncle Jim wondered what we were up to and anticipating it was no good - what a smart man!! :D Just kidding!! It was really nice to see him and Aunt Clema in OKC at Amber's wedding and then again in Williamsburg (2010) when they came out to visit my folks. We will miss you Uncle Jim; rest in peace.

Chris Day

January 22, 2014

I was surprised and saddened to learn of Jim's death. He was an awesome guy who was always there when you needed him. I enjoyed working with him in Ventura and will miss him greatly.

Chris Day

January 22, 2014

I was shocked and saddened to learn of Jim's death. He was a great guy who was always there when you needed him. It was a pleasure working with him. He will be missed.

Dennis Aguilar

January 19, 2014

"Way back in 1987, Jim took me under his wing at the Ventura CHP office when I was a new employee. His mentoring will never be forgotten...thank you, Jim."

Grace Baskin

January 19, 2014

Dear Clema and Family, so very sorry to hear of the loss of Jim, part of our CHP family. Love and prayers to you all.
Love, Grace & Family (The Baskin's)

We served with honor and respect...

FRED BASKIN

January 19, 2014

Clema & Glenn,
When I think of Jim, it makes me think of the title to a movie: "An Officer And A Gentleman" as that truly epitomizes him. Though I found him to be a mellow sort of guy, you know he always fearlessly had your back. What a privilege it was to work with him and share happy times.

Bob Aguayo

January 18, 2014

I was lucky to grow up in Ventura (Lincoln School). Our main summertime rival in softball was Washington School where Jim & his friend Ernie Valenzuela played. They were good guys who I won't forget. The obit mentioned Jim having many longtime friends in Ventura - more than you know.
Bob Aguayo VHS class of 1956

Gary Haley

January 17, 2014

Jim was a patrol partner and good friend. Those were 5 good years at the Ventura CHP office..

Mike Zamore

January 17, 2014

Having worked with Jim in the Ventura CHP office, he was truly a mentor and inspiration to all that new and worked with him.

Wilma Meehan

January 17, 2014

Dear Clema and family, may you take comfort in all the comforting words offered here. My sincere sympathy to you - I know how hard it is to lose someone, especially after so many years together. Take time to grieve, but also time to remember the good times. "Life is hard by the yard, but inch by inch it's a cinch". Someone gave me that quote, and I refer to it often. Bless you always.

Mel & Marci Hedrick

January 17, 2014

Sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He and I played basketball together at Ventura Hi. I considered him a good friend. I know he will be greatly missed and my condolences go out to his family.

Jose Patino

January 16, 2014

I was shocked to learn that Jim had passed away. My condolence to his whole family. I will forever remember Jim while working at the Ventura CHP area office. He was always a down to earth, easy going type of guy. There were not too many guys like Jim around. He was one of a kind.

Peggy Kelly

January 16, 2014

As a journalist I had the pleasure of working with Jim, perhaps the best Public Information Officer a public agency ever had.
I was privileged to attend his CHP retirement dinner, an affair jammed with hundreds of people who admired Jim's professionalism as well as his famed sense of fun and humor. What I remember most about that evening was the evident affection that filled the room and the delight of the guests in being in Jim's company and being able to celebrate him.
Jim was a dedicated officer but above all a dedicated family man who loved Clema, his children and grandchildren.
My condolences to the family...Jim will be in their hearts forever and his own heart will glow each time a loved one thinks of him.

Marvin Houghton

January 16, 2014

It was the 5th grade at Washington School then was starting our Law Enforcement careers The last time we were together was Springdale. We were good fiends for over 65 yrs. Will miss you, not too many of us left.Marv(Dean) & Kathleen Houghton

Regina Skillman Howell

January 16, 2014

Uncle Jim will be greatly missed. Some of my favorite memories are of spending time with he and his family. I will especially miss seeing the wicked glint in his eye when he thought of a way to provoke (playfully) one of his sisters in-law into an argument and the grin that would spread across his face when he had successfully accomplished his mission. His favorite adversary was my mother who enjoyed it as much as he did and whether in person or by phone he rarely missed an opportunity to challenge her. I only wish we had lived closer so that we had more of those moments with him. Much love to Aunt Clema, Peggy, Glenn, Steve and their families.

Nicholas Simitzi

January 16, 2014

I am sorry to hear of Jims passing. I grew up with Jim, as I was his neighbor across the street on Mc Millan ave.. We had many good experiences and good times together, I will always remember them. R.I.P.

Mike Bradbury

January 15, 2014

I had the privilege of working with Jim while district attorney. He was a great law enforcement officer and exemplified courage, honor and integrity. He will be missed.

Dan Baizer

January 15, 2014

I had the honor of working with Jim in Ventura CHP office. He was 100% honorable, hard-working, and a dependable guy. He, and his sense of humor, will be sorely missed.

Mary Jean Seabranch

January 15, 2014

I am so sorry for your Loss. I was a dispatcher and worked with Jim when he was working in the front office. I thought he was very thoughtful and kind. He will be missed.

Bob Dickie

January 15, 2014

Donna and I want to express our sadness at the passing of a wonderful person, family man and CHP Officer. Jim will be missed but won't be forgotten. May the family find comfort in knowing that Jim is still with us in spirit and will be there to greet us one day.

January 15, 2014

Our sincere condolences to the Utter family. We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sandy and Bob Michalec

Frank & Patti McNeely

January 14, 2014

Clema & Family:
Patti & I want to send you our condolence on the lost of Jim. I am glad that I got a chance to talk to him a few times this last year and re-live football, baseball & CHP days with him. He was always fun to be around. We will keep you and your family in our prayers. I am sure he is watching over all of you. God bless you and the family.

Sylvia Bonsignore

January 14, 2014

Clema and family, I was so sorry to read about Jims passing. No wonder I have not heard from you. Please email me when you are up to it. Would love to hear from you

January 14, 2014

Jim Utter was a great example of the way to be a great California Highway Patrol Officer
Rich Guzik

Will Eidson

January 14, 2014

Clema, what a honor it is to have known Jimmy and to be considered a friend. Now all we have is to remember the good times and there were many. Jimmy is still watching over his family & will be with them forever.

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