James Anthony Giometta

January 21, 1947 - July 4, 2011

James Anthony Giometta

 

James Anthony Giometta was born in Rockford, Illinois on January 21, 1947 to Anthony Joseph Giometta and Elizabeth Ruth Giometta (née Witt). 

 

At the age of 3, doctors diagnosed Jim with polio and he lost the ability to walk.  Even with his handicap, as a child, he was active and did all the normal things kids love to do, even working with his dad to build special cars to compete in soapbox races, many of which he won. Jim was also a champion swimmer (the breast stroke) and archer. Despite his handicap, Jim acted as the manager of the boys’ basketball team at Rockford East High School. After high school, Jim played wheelchair basketball for the Gizzkids team at the University of Illinois.  After college, he played with the Chicago Sidewinders and then helped form his own team, the Rockford Chariots, which he played with until the early 80s. 

 

Jim served in many LDS Church callings throughout the years, including seven years as a bishop and ten years as a counselor in a stake presidency, both in Rockford, Illinois.  After moving to Utah, he served as a High Priest Group Leader and bishopric member for the Second Ward (in Salt Lake City).  He also served as a veil worker in both the Washington, D.C. and Chicago temples.  He enjoyed long hours of church service and was incredibly dedicated to the Lord and serving the saints.

 

As an adult, Jim loved spending time with his family, serving in the Church, cheering on Chicago sports teams and fishing.  He never missed a Bears game or his annual fishing trip to Canada, where he got a chance to bond with his father, son and other close friends over the years.  He especially loved holidays and having his whole family together.  He orchestrated many family activities that would have never happened without his special direction.

 

Jim also enjoyed discussing current events and politics.  When, at the age of 60, he landed his “dream job” working for the Sutherland Institute, all dinnertime conversation turned from everyone’s personal activities to upcoming elections and issues of the day.  It wasn’t uncommon to find him listening to Rush or watching Bill O’Reilly. 

 

Jim is survived by his mother, Elizabeth “Boots” Giometta, his loving wife of nearly 40 years, Mary (née Sauberlich), who comforted and supported him throughout his life and last moments.  He is also survived by his four children, Laura Cleveland (Nathan), Jason, Julianna, and Rachel Brooks (Jacob). He was also lucky enough to have two wonderful grandchildren, Maximilian Brooks and Jack Cleveland.  He and Max had a special bond and enjoyed going on short “apartment walks” together. He also gave Max some exciting rides on his wheelchair, like he used to do with his own kids. In June, Jim was fortunate enough to assist in blessing his new grandson, Jack.

 

Everyone loved Jim and many have been touched by his life, words and service.  He constantly spoke about the importance of relationships and spent countless hours giving counsel to members of the Church and his own family on this very topic. He will be missed very much by so many people.

 

A viewing will be held on Friday, July 8th from 6 to 8 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City.  Funeral services will be on Saturday, July 9th at 10:00 AM at the LDS Second Ward on the corner of 700 South 500 East, Salt Lake City, with a viewing from 9:00 to 9:45 AM.  

In Loving Memory

Mary & Family: Linda & I are saddened that Jim has left all of us, but joy in his next estate. I worked as the Ward Clerk with him for most of his bishopric and with him when he was on the High Council and occasionally when he was in the Stake Presidency. He's a very dedicated man not only to the Lord but to his family. We will and have missed him and your family. We wish you and you family all blessings in your life. Steven & Linda Franklin

Steven & Linda Franklin

Rockford, IL

Our thoughts and prayers for the amazing Giometta family. Brother Giometta was my favorite to listen to when he gave talks on Sunday as a High Councilman. I have so much respect for him and Sister Giometta. The Boyer Family have so many fond memories. We love you guys!

Amanda (Boyer) Van Orden

Idaho Falls, Id

Dear Mary and Family: My thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this time. I feel truly grateful to have been able to know and serve around Brother Giometta. Even though it's been many years since I've served in Rockford, I have never forgotten the Giometta Family, especially Jim. He truly was a man with a powerful testimony of the gospel that he both lived and shared with many. He was a great example to many, including me. I pray that your family might find comfort and peace during this difficult time. Love, Diana Hawes (Sister Nielsen)

Diana (Nielsen) Hawes

West Point, Ut

Jim's enthusiasm for life including his friendship and mentoring of so many will be missed on this side of the veil, but there is great joy and many reunions taking place on the other side as he is welcomed home by those who have proceeded him. He will continue to serve there, without the physical restrictions he experienced here. Few people touch so many lives for good as Jim did throughout his mortal journey. We offer our condolences to Mary and the family. Through the gospel of Jesus Christ and the sealing power that binds you together, you will be a family forever and one day be reunited with Jim. The hymn "Each life that touches ours for good ..." perfectly describes this great man. Dave & Manja Midgley

Dave & Manja Midgley

St. George, Ut

Mary & Family, Our last visit with Jim will be something that we will cherish forever. Ever teaching and always the one looking to benefit the life of another. His example of hard work and commitment despite his physical limitations always inspired me to do more. His presence will be missed during meetings and church service. The work on the other side has received a powerful man. Our condolences to Mary and Family. Take comfort in the wonderful legacy and life of a man invested.

Bryce, Kimley and Reo Jolley

Salt Lake City, Ut

Our thoughts, prayers and love to you and your family. Times like this are never easy, but peace has come to a man who has been through a lot of challenges in life. May you all find comfort with all the great memories you can share with each other.

Gloria & Tom Bacca

Taylorsville, Ut

Hi family, We are saddened to hear of Jim's passing and at the same time overjoyed to know that he is free and healthy and able to do all he wants with no pain! Jim has been a remarkable example to us and I have never experience the power of the SPIRIT like I did in his presence. He will certainly be missed! We love all of you, the Schatzman's

GALEN SCHATZMAN

CENTERVILLE, UT

Our hearts go out to the Giometta family at this time of loss. You only needed to listen to any of Jim's children for a few moments to realize what a giant he was in his families lives. Jim & Mary raised an amazing family and we pray for all of you as you remember your husband, father & grandfather. Blake & CIndy Marley

Blake & Cindy Marley

Lyman, WY

Dear mary and family. What a wonderful write up on Jim and he will be so missed. I always admired him for his positive attitude and to be able to do so much from a wheel Chair....What a wonderful husband father, son and friend to all that knew him..Jim I will miss you....Love, Aunt Shirley

Shirley Trudeaux

Cherry Valley, Il

Jim never failed to fascinate me with his stories because he was a great story teller. I will always remember his story about how he took the elevator to the top of the Empire State building and then discovered the wall was too high for him to see anything. His story about the evacuation of the airplane was another favorite. I loved how he related being in the airplane after it was evacuated and the airline people came on board and asked ?Are you the guy?? Jim was someone who could be counted on. He lived a very good life and set a wonderful example for everyone he met. He was positive and upbeat and never seemed to let anything get in his way. He left a pathway strewn with good deeds and loving, caring examples of what I should be doing. I will miss him and his broad smile. I thank him for the wonderful examples he has been for me. Mary, my prayers are with you as you navigate these particularly troubled waters. I pray that the peace of the Lord will guide your footsteps when your eyes cloud with tears.

John G Bell

Farmington, UT

Mary, We are so sorry for your loss. We are praying for strength and comfort for you and your family. Zikhronah livrakha, aleha ha shalom.

John Smith & Family

West Valley, UT

My condolences to the Giometta family. My daughter and I are going to miss Bro. Giometta so much. But I know he's in a much better place and free of pain. I am honored to have known such an incredible man. A man of God. May the good Lord bless Ms. Mary always as well as her children. Thank you Juliana for being my friend. And thank you Jim for the memories and God be with you till we meet again.

The Johnson Family (Eric, Carol n DyBorrah)

salt lake city, Ut

Mary, family sorry for passing of Jim he was great man. In Matt it talks about mansion being prepare in own words I feel is preparing for you and your family to dwell. And also going to teach the gospel to those people who been in spiritual darkness on the earth and those are waiting for the work get done.. I enjoy times of callings even if was in my young years. I know that the men helped him to up two steps due being wheelchair every sunday. Families are forever.

Tracy Franklin

Rockford, IL

Mary and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. I thoroughly enjoyed the time that I had to work with Jim at Sutherland Institute. He was so kind to me and a joy to work with. He will be sorely missed.

Keven Stratton

Orem, Ut

My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. I will always remember Brother Giometta's bright and happy spirit and knows that he is continuing on in his next journey. I am amazed at the wonderful legacy that he has left behind him. You must all be so proud! Much Love to you All!

Stephanie Dodson (Holden)

Las Vegas, NV

We were blessed to know Brother Giometta and have missed his smile and friendly attitude--also his wisdom. We have missed the Giometta family and we know that Heavenly Father will give you comfort until you are all together again. Bless you.

Susan B. Fudge, Nathan and Jessica Schoensiegel

Rockford, Il

Dear Mary, You and your family are in my thoughts and my prayers. So greatful to have knowledge of the plan of salvation, and eternal families. Much Love, Annette (Emigration Court)

Annette May

Salt Lake City, Ut

Mary and family I wish you well. My thoughts and prayers are for your family. Take care.

Adam Evertsen

Chapel Hill, NC

Few people have the ability to move the soul and awaken the spirit as Brother Giometta did. Our condolences to the Giometta family. A knowledge of the Gospel lightens the burden, but does not eliminate the heartache of losing such a great man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and always.

Samuel Denton Jr & Family

Springville, UT

I wil never forget the kindness and love that Brother Giometta showed everyone he came in contact with. In loving memory of a great man!

Jessica Myroth-Erlandson

DeKalb, IL

Mary and Family, Jim was my first bishop after Bill and I got married. He was easy to talk too from the beginning. He was then called as a counselor into the first Stake Presidency, of Rockford Il. I could listen to Jim as long as he would speak and enjoy every min. I also enjoyed the time He and Mary came and spoke in Byron. He fought a good fight....Our prayers are with you at this time. Love Donna Johnson

Donna Johnson

Winnebago, IL

i MISS YOU OLD FRIEND. iT'S GOOD TO KNOW YOU ARE WALKING TALL AND MEETING WITH SO MANY OF THOSE WHO HAVE GONE ON BEFORE...mARY, i THINK OF YOU AND THE CHILDREN AND OF THE MANY GOOD TIMES WE ALL HAD ..i TOLD aNNETTE ABOUT jIM BUT SHE DIID NOT REMEMBET HIM lOVE YOU.. MORE LATER.

Harry John Bell

Belvidere, il

Mary and Family, the times that Jim and Wayne had together as Bishops of the Rockford 1st and 2nd Wards. As they would get a new counselor trained to have President Johnson take them away. I'm sure Wayne was there to welcome him home. They loved the Lord and served so faithfully. I loved to watch them with their heads together and then see their wonderful smiles and laughs. They each had million dollar smiles. Love to you all Marty Mangel Thompson

Marty Mangel Thompson

Temple, TX

We would like to offer our condolences. Our family was touched in many ways by Bro. Giometta and we always enjoyed his stories he shared when in our ward.

James & Paula Jordan Family

Rock Falls (Sterling Ward), Il

Mary and family: We are so sorry to hear of Jims passing. He was a wonderful person and a devoted family man. Always so friendly and a joy to be around. One of our fondest memories is playing baseball at the family picnics and Jason pushing Jim around the bases after he got a hit. We miss all of you and send our love in this sad time. We are so glad he got to see his two grandsons. Love to all of you, Tim & Bev

Bev & Tim Taylor

Rockford, Il

Mary, Our Condolences to you and your Family. Jim is such a fantastic person to everyone and his Family. The video memorial is great, I had never seen some of those photo's. He is an inspiration to us all, I will never forget him. Our Love. The Taylor's (Scott, Jean, Brenden, & Shayne)

Scott Taylor

Machesney Park, IL

Dear Mary and family, We enjoyed Jim so much during your time in Rockford. We know Jim will be missed by many people. We know he will have a great mission a head of him on the other side of the veil. God bless you and your family. Bill and Nancy Lamps

Nancy and Bill Lamps

Rockford, Il

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. I remember that Brother Giometta was an amazing man with great faith and an example to all those around him. Our hearts go out to you in this time of loss. May God bless you and your family with comfort and peace.

Liz and Brian Gibby

Saratoga Springs, UT

Dear Mary and Kids, I am so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you. One day when you are feeling sad and lonely, you will think of something Jim said or did, and you will feel the gladness and warmth in your heart. Thank God for memories, it will always keep him close to you, and he will always be there. My Love, Jeanne

Jeanne Stewart

Las Vegas, Nv

Aunt Mary & family, I'm so sorry to hear about Uncle Jim...I wish I could take your pain away. I have great memories of going to his basketball games when you were dating. I send a big hug to all of you! LEANN

Le Ann Pearson

Machesney Park, IL

Some of my 1st memories were watching Bishop Giometta from my father's lap at the clerk's seat in sacrament meeting. He is one of the greatest teachers I have ever known. He never knew the influence he had on my decsion to prepare to to serve a mission. I listened to him teach a lesson during a visit to the Byron Branch and felt the spirit as he taught. I knew that I wanted to help others feel that spirit and gain the understanding I recieved during that lesson. I have only fond memories of my experiences with him. I know that he will be missed and express my condolences to the Giometta family. I also feel some excitement for those on the other side who I'm sure he is already teaching.

Tim Bartell

Eagle Mountain, Ut

Jim was my Bishop when I was ordained a Deacon and continued to be me my Bishop throughout most of my youth. I had the privilege of camping and fishing with him, I watched him play basketball on a number of occasions. He had an amazing hook-shot and he taught me that hook-shot one evening when I was playing basketball in our ward gym. I often sought his counsel when he was my bishop and when he was a member of our stake presidency. He never gave a boring talk. He was a great speaker and we all knew that we were in for a treat if he was designated to speak at church. He took care of our ward members and had genuine compassion for those whom he served. I'm sad that he has passed and my thoughts are with his family. I am however happy that he is longer suffering from physical limitations or ailments. He is now walking.

Ian Provo

Rockford, Il

Mary and family. Our thoughts and prayers go out for you and your family. Yes, we know he's in a better place, but nevertheless, it is a huge loss to you and your family here and now. It can't be easy. I was extremely excited to see Jim on TV in SLC a couple of years ago. I was in Jims East HS graduating class of 65. I was always impressed with what I saw him accomplish in his early years. After high school I did join the LDS church and through family and friends I heard a lot about you and Jim. You folks made a huge impression on a lot of people. This included me, especially after I broke my neck a few years ago and became a complete Quad. Seeing what Jim had accomplished and was still accomplishing much helped in no small way for me to press on with faith hope and joy. I'm grateful for the opportunity my wife and I had to see Jim on 30 June for a few minutes. Jim and all his visitors made quite an impression on the workers at Promise. Bruce and Debbie Ericksen

Bruce Ericksen

Heber City, ut

I thank you humbly for shriang your wisdom JJWY

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Jason and Family, My condolences to you and your family. Your father was a kind man with a big heart. His patience and wisdom will never be forgotten especially during our early adult years. I always enjoyed being around him. I remember the fun we had going to the Bears training camp, and also dinners at your house. I also know the feeling of loss as my mother passed away unexpectedly in Sep 2009. God Bless you and your family.

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Loves Park, Il

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