James L. 'Jim' Jensen

My heart is sad to hear of the news of Jim's passing. He was an incredible man who loved and cared about others deeply. He taught me so much and I am so grateful for the memories of him.  Well. All of you.  You all have made such an incredible difference in my life. I loved Jim and I love you all.  I'm so sorry for your loss.  Sending all my love. Dar 

I first met Jim through Sterling Larsen, another fine golfer and friend who I worked for in the Salt Lake County government. From my very first experiences with Jim and his wife Jean and their kids Larry and Heidi, it became quite clear that this was no ordinary family. Their friendship and generosity towards me was truly exceptional. And it was when they started referring to me as “Uncle Tom” that I knew I had become a part of their extended family. This welcoming quality extended to everyone they associated with. For lack of a better explanation, they simply practiced what all major religions preach. It also didn’t take long for me to realize that Jim’s life was dedicated to serving kids and the community. And that amazingly, perhaps through a stroke of fate, he had somehow managed to land in a job that he was destined for. Yes, it was his talent for making friends and nurturing relationships that made him such a unique asset to the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs. But this attribute remained consistent no matter the circumstances. It was simply who Jim was. It’s anybody’s guess where this ability came from because during Jim’s formative years he was often treated like he was not even part of the family by his stepfather. Unfortunately, things didn’t improve until Jim started receiving accolades in the local papers for his excellence in athletics. But throughout these years, Jim maintained a loving relationship with his mom Dorothy, who liked to refer to Jim as the family “big shot,” not just for his athletic achievements but mostly because he was the only family member who managed to graduate from college. Jim never knew his biological father, who died in WWII during the Marine invasion of Peleliu in the South Pacific. He often had vivid dreams about that father he never knew but grew to develop a strong spiritual love for. Because of this, Jim always had a very emotional appreciation for those who serve in the military. t wasn’t until after his college and football years that Jim took up golf. He often told me that he wished he’d become more involved with golf as a youngster. This early lack of interest in golf was most likely due to a little peer group influence. Golf in those days at Birmingham High was just not as cool as football and baseball. But oh how things changed after Jim decided to take up golf. Nevertheless, we can thank Jim’s football prowess, not golf, for eventually bringing him to Salt Lake City via a football scholarship to the U of U. That was over sixty years ago. And those who knew him, as well as the kids and families that he served for so many years, have reaped the benefits ever since. It seems only fitting that Jim will be laid to rest at the family plot in Mount Olivetti Cemetery across from Ute Stadium, next to the mother that he loved so dearly. That mother who proudly called her son a big shot would be right after all. Jim was a big shot in so many ways.

Jean and Family,  Rick and I were sad to hear about the passing of Jim.  He was a very special and caring person.  We are going to miss him greatly.  May God comfort you and your family and our prayers are with all of you.  Love you all, Rick, Stephanie and Family

I was fortunate enough to meet Jim at Uinta Golf where I quickly learned he was a favored regular. The first interaction we ever had was him joking around with me. When I joked back with him, he laughed and gave me a fist bump and we would chat every time he came in. He would talk to me about bowling a lot and even called me "299" because I told him that was my highest score ever. I will miss seeing him, he was a truly great guy and he always brightened the atmosphere for all of us. Thank you to Jim's family for always treating us so well, my thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.

Dear Jean Ann, Heidi and Larry,      With our love  for all of you and these  brief words with Jim:                 ________________________ Thank you Jim, "our Big Larry",     I will hear your laugh... and always smile.  From one family outsider to the other.                    Tina                                 ____      I learned from you and changed. Guess a beer only cost that much, once upon a time Jim... Imagine that!           Orval                    ______________________ For:  The Rescue Mission and Who you wanted to vote for.          In Memorian-  James L. "Jim" Jensen         

Jean, Heidi and Larry, You have my deepest condolences. Big Jim and I fussed and had a good time when we worked together. My thoughts and prayers are with you! with much love! Shari