James R. Houghton

Obituary James Rean Houghton (May 30, 1935 - January 23, 2021) James Rean Houghton, "Jim", is loved deeply by his family and friends. He always gave everyone he came into contact with a smile on his face and any support that they requested. Many people have asked Jim for advice and direction throughout his life. Jim passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, January 23, with his wife Bonnie and daughter Kelly by his side. He is survived also by his 3 sons, Michael (wife Tamara), James (wife Brandie), and Adam (wife Lori). Jim and Bonnie have 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Jim was born on May 30, in Eureka, Utah. He spent a lot of fun times with his Grandma Pin. His family moved to Provo, Utah when Jim was 6 years old. His family focused on camping, hunting, and fishing in the beautiful Utah mountains. Jim continued his love for hunting and fishing with his children and grandchildren. These trips were not only about fishing, but were ways in which he increased the bonds between father (grandfather), children, and grandchildren. As a young man he worked at the local gas station and enjoyed helping people repair their cars. During his senior year at Provo High he bought his first car, a 1947 Ford Coupe, and enjoyed showing it off by driving up and down the center street in town. In 1954, Jim decided to join the United States Army. He served for two years during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge from the military, Jim began his college career at Brigham Young University, studying for an Engineering Science Degree in Civil Engineering. During Jim's first year in college he began dating a beautiful high school friend, Bonnie Jensen. Jim and Bonnie were married in October 1957. They have been married 63 years. After college graduation, Jim worked on the Blue Mesa Dam Project in Colorado. His next job was with the Federal Aviation Administration. He worked for FAA for 32 years in the Airport Division in Colorado, Montana, and Washington. Following his retirement from FAA, he worked for FEMA as a disaster assistance employee. Since retirement, Jim and Bonnie have travelled to visit and spend fun times with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. During the summer months the grandchildren would come to stay on "The Farm" with Grandpa Jim and Grandma Bonnie. They would learn to feed the sheep, cows, and chickens; ride the horses; and irrigate the fields. Jim and Bonnie also enjoyed many "Mystery Trips" in which they would depart home not knowing where they would end up until they arrived at destinations like England, Spain, Portugal, and Florida. Jim leaves a legacy of service in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He and Bonnie have served in the baptistry of the Provo, Mount Timpanogos, Denver, and Fort Collins Temples. Jim served on the Usher Committee for the open house of the Fort Collins Temple when it opened in 2016. Grandpa Jim has been able to bless and baptize several of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jim has also served to direct and assist many young men to obtain the rank of Eagle Scout. Over the past three years Jim has been a determined fighter against the effects of long term diabetes and dialysis. We are truly thankful for the friends that have given us support and assistance through these difficult times. We are thankful for the health care workers that took the time to care for Jim. Jim - our dearest husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather - you can now walk again, and you are free from pain. We know you are with your family members that have passed before. We know we will be with you again someday. A "Celebration of Life" will be held by family and friends later this year. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of James R. Houghton, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store. Read More Services You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or by planting a memorial tree in the memory of James R. Houghton