James Timmins

James Stuart Timmins
1937 - 2016

James Stuart Timmins , 79, was surrounded by family and friends when he returned to his Heavenly Father on December 26, 2016 in Sandy, Utah.  Jim was born to William Montana and Mary Ann Hanks Brighton Timmins on July 5, 1937 in Salt Lake City, Utah.  This great man was a lovi ng dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, and friend to many.  His love was far reaching and extended well beyond his immediate family, including many friends from the numerous 12-step groups with which he was associated for thirty-one years.  Those who knew Jim fel t of his individual and very personal love; he had a way of endearing himself to everyone by understanding and embracing each of their unique needs.

Every day he would “Get up, suit up, and show up” in his personal ministry and quest to find and serve one more person.  “Ye shall know them by their fruits.”  He was, and will continue to be, a source of strength and encouragement for each of us to make the best of our life by turning it over to God.  “Let go and let God” was one of his many mantras.  His fam ily on the other side of the veil, including his eternal companion, Devin Young, will be anxious to greet him.  He is already dearly missed in this earthly life, but will never be forgotten.  His vast legacy will live on through each of us as we struggle a nd learn, one day at a time.

Jim was, in his own words, a rambunctious and headstrong boy during his growing up years, always looking down the road less traveled.  That curious and adventuresome spirit served him well and helped strengthen him as he learn ed to deal with trials.  He joined the armed services in 1954 at the age of 17 and was part of the 82 nd Airborne Infantry Division of the United States Army.  Basic training was at Fort Ord, California, tank training was at Fort Knox, Kentucky, jump school at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and advanced ski training with the Austrian Ski Patrol in Berchtesgaden, Germany.  He served for three years in Europe with his first assignment being Augsburg, Germany.

Jim has always been a people person and loved his wor k in advertising sales.  His favorite and most memorable times were the ten years traveling the USA with Devin, selling RV park site-map ads for Southeast Publications.  He and Devin made one great team.  After Devin passed away in 2008, he returned to Sal t Lake City where he re-established connections with his children and created new relationships with his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and his recovery family.  His families and those treasured relationships were the light and love of his life.

He i s survived by his three children: Terri Lee (Mont) Timmins, Bryan (Rebecca) Timmins, and Tracy (Brent) Middleton, brother-in-law: Robert Bailey, three sisters-in-law: Lola Gygi Timmins, Theda Laws Timmins, and Marlynn Young (Norm) Simpson, cousin: Shirlynn (Bruce) Gildea , fifteen grandchildren: Nikolaos (Sarah) Timmins, Jared (Holly) Worthington, Ashley (Jeff) Anglesey, Stephen (Sarah) Middleton, Jordan (Anna) Worthington, Lauren (Nathan) Quinn, Christopher (Allie) Middleton, Nathan (Kylee) Middleton, Robyn (Andrew) Yenchik , Shannon (Cameron) Smith, Kelley Worthington, Genevieve (Philip) Naylor, Makenzie Middleton, David Timmins, Tyler Middleton, seventeen great grandchildren: Zoey, Lilly, Riley, Simon, and Daisy Timmins; Abby, Emma, and Walker Worthington; J. J. Anglesey; Theo Middleton; Taggart and Hazel Quinn; Finn Middleton; Piper Middleton; Penelope and Marjorie Yenchik ; and Easton James Worthington.  Married to Roberta Pickens Timmins Webb, 1958, divorced in 1985.  Married to Devin Young, 1988 to 2008, when she passed away.  Enjoyed unique relationships with special friends:  Sandra May, and many, many cherished members of his recovery family.

He was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings: Margaret Timmins Bailey, David Brighton Timmins, Ver na Timmins Smith, and William Montana Timmins Jr., second wife:  Devin Young, brother-in-law: Paul Marston Smith, and many close friends.

A celebration-of-life open house will be held in his honor on Saturday, December 31, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 at the Cannon Mortuary, 2460 Bengal Blvd., Sandy, Utah  84121.

“Hallelujah” and “God Be with You ‘til We Meet Again.”