James Brentz

James Norman Brentz, 87, of Sandy, Utah, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2021, surrounded by family.

Jim was born on May 9, 1933 to Harry and Esther Brentz in Pittsburgh, Kansas. He grew up in Farmington, Illinois, graduating from Farmington High School in 1951. He attended the University of Missouri at Rolla, and later graduated from Bradley University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He served with the US Army during the Korean War.

Jim is survived by his wife Judy, and their daughters, Susan (Jay) Holland, and Karen (Mardi) Perri, and grandchildren Forrest and Hunter Holland, and Allison Perri.

Jim had two children from a previous marriage to Jean Brentz: Chuck (Betsy) and Lisa (Alan) Heth. They blessed him with five grandchildren: Craig Brentz, Caroline Brentz, Casey (Kyle) Heavrin, Angela (Blake) Bauer, and Alison Heth, and four great-grandchildren: Isaac and Levi Bauer, and Cooper and Crew Heavrin.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brother Bill, sister Marianne, and granddaughter Alison Heth.

Jim had a long career in the mining equipment business. His job provided him the opportunity to see the world, including China, Turkey, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Portugal, Spain and France.

Jim and Judy relocated to Utah with their family where he fell in love with the mountains.  He enjoyed skiing, and served as a volunteer for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.  He was active at Hilltop United Methodist Church in Sandy, Utah.

He will be missed dearly by his pets, Riley and Cali.

Donations may be made to the Community Animal Welfare Society at CAWS.org. https://caws.org/caws-donations/