James Michael Pennington

March 2, 1950 - December 15, 2021
James Michael Pennington

On the afternoon of December 15, we lost our beloved partner, father, brother and friend to a heart attack. The pain of his loss in our hearts is deep. Mike didn’t want a long obituary, a viewing or a fancy funeral. But we need to memorialize this wonderful human being in the best way that we know. It’s hard to capture the essence of a decent, hard working, ethical and loving person in a few words, but Mike was all of those things and so much more. He was the kindest, funniest, most enterprising and helpful man you could ever hope to meet. He could be cranky, but underneath he was so soft hearted. He loved his Paula, his children, he loved dogs, and to his dying day he was still grieving the loss of Molly, his dearly loved German Shepherd.

Mike was drafted into the US Army at age 20 and spent two years in Naples, Italy. After he returned from his tour of duty, he began a long career in telecommunications, rising to upper management level and making lasting friends along the way. After his retirement, he began driving a school bus for Canyons School District. He said he needed structure in his life and he loved the kids. He took the trouble to get to know them as individuals and always came home with stories about their trials and tribulations. He brewed beer with a passion, honing it into a craft with meticulous precision. Mike knew everything there was to know about cars. He kept Paula’s dog mobile running far longer than was reasonable. He was the go-to guy if you needed anything fixed. His third career was invested in restoring his red Jaguar XJS.

Mike was born in Frankfort, Kentucky to Jim Pennington and Shirlee Seal Pennington. His parents and daughter Jennifer precede him in death. He is survived by: his partner Paula Carl; three children and their spouses Christopher Pennington and Trin Pearce, Carrie Pennington Grinder and Kelcey Grinder, Marc and Rachel Pennington; Sisters Patricia and Melissa Pennington and Brother Paul Pennington. He also leaves behind Grand dogs Indie, Sunny and Lexi, Stella, Ruthie and Betty, Killua and Elvis/Radar.
I will miss his smile, his laughter and his love.

There will be an open house for Mike's family on January 9, 2022 from 2-5 pm (vaccinated folks please). A larger outdoor celebration of Mike’s life will be held in the spring for his many wonderful friends. Please contact paulacarl@xmission.com for more information.