James Michael Pennington
March 2, 1950 - December 15, 2021
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.
In Loving Memory
Paula and family. Mike was such a wonderful person. Greg and I will miss his witty sense of humor. And his wonderful help in fixing our cars. May God bless you and your family.
Cindy Kelsey
South Jordan, UT
Mike our good family friend rest in peace, we will miss you!!
Stella M Trakullee
Sandy, UT
Our family was so saddened to hear of Mike's passing! All 5 of our kids have had the pleasure of having Mike as their bus driver. Our daughter, who is a senior at Brighton High, is part of the medical assisting program at CTEC. She is bused there for part of her school day every day and Mike was her bus driver most recently. A few years ago, Mike was the bus driver at Oakdale Elementary. Our kids didn't want to miss taking the bus each day specifically because Mike was the driver. He was such a patient and kind man! He would give the kids candy on Friday's which they always looked forward to. He didn't have to do it, but he did it because he cared! As a parent, I went on field trips occasionally with our kids and Mike was often the bus driver. You can't appreciate what a lasting effect a kind bus driver can have. He really made everyone's day! He's the person that started and ended our kids school day. Having such a nice person be there for our kids gave me such a peace of mind as they went off to school. There hasn't been anyone better than Mike as a bus driver! We love him! We are so sorry for your loss! We know he was a very loved man! May you feel peace at this difficult time and know he made a lasting impression on us. Love- Katie and Steve Robbins and family
Katie Robbins
Cottonwood Heights, Ut
There are those whose passing is barely noticed and then those who have had such an impact on us that it's hard to imagine a world without their presence. Mike was just such a person. He truly made people feel like they mattered to him as well as finding so many creative outlets to express his joy in living. The short amount of time we knew each other doesn't seem like nearly enough, yet the few months spent living under his roof and forming a bond will endure and always bring memories of great happiness and appreciation for having Mike in my life during a difficult time. To Carrie, Chris, and Marc, I am so deeply sorry for the untimely loss of your dad and for Paula, the loss of your cherished and loving soulmate. Tim Smith
Tim Smith
Portland, OR
Paula and family, We are so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. Our 7 year old daughter Madeline rode his bus to and from school. She absolutely adored him and loved riding the bus to Butler Elementary. She enjoyed the bus so much that even on days I substituted or volunteered at the school I would drive alone because she didn't want to skip riding on the bus. Friday (candy day) was her very favorite day of the week. He was always so kind to the kids. I appreciated him so much. Again, we are very sorry for your loss. Sincerely, The Moss family
Stephanie Moss
Cottonwood Heights, Ut