Obituary for James Marsden James Marsden (1966-2018) W. James Marsden, 52, South Jordan Utah, returned to his Heavenly Father on Thursday, April 12, 2018. He is finally free from all his pain and suffering. He has been very ill over the past few years and his circumstances have been difficult.
Yet, he recently wrote a book and was working on new Christmas songs and arrangements that he wanted his singing group Envoy to reunite and sing. James was born in Cedar City, Utah, to William Kent and Martha Dianne Brown Marsden on April 4, 1966. He grew up in multiple areas across the western U.S.
He graduated from Kearns High School in 1984 and LDS Business College in 1993. He served a mission for the LDS church to Columbus, Ohio from 1985-87. He married Angie Buttars on July 26, 1991 in the Salt Lake Temple.
They are parents to two beautiful daughters Rachel and Natalie. James had the most amazing singing voice and was a phenomenal writer and composer. He was very talented and was given this wonderful musical gift from God.
James never had any formal music training and played only by ear. He could hear a song, go to the piano and figure out how to play it within minutes. He could hear and sing harmony and instrumental parts of music with ease.
He could transpose music on the spot without even thinking about it. I am sure he will be singing with the angels. He touched countless lives with this heavenly gift which will live on through is daughters.
He was a member of the singing group Envoy. They had 4 albums of which he wrote, arranged and produced most of the songs. He composed and produced for many other local and national artists.
He was also a staff song writer for Sony Records for a few years. Everyone would associate his name with music. We affectionately called him “The Piano Man”.
Anyone who knew James, knew he had a huge sweet tooth. Ice cream with chocolate syrup and strawberries ran through his veins. He was always looking for any kind of treat and loved Cherry Coke Zero.
He would always buy a treat of some sort for himself and whoever was with him, where ever he would go. He also liked to bake and was famous for his cinnamon rolls, maple twists and crepes. He loved food of all kinds.
James loved the movies! Movies anytime, anywhere! Sometimes two in one day and of course he would have to have a treat and a Coke to go with them.
James was a very hard worker, almost to a fault. He would get so intently focused on what he was working on, he would not come to bed until the next morning. He couldn’t shut his mind off, especially with his music.
James didn’t do anything in life half way. It was always 150%. He was adventurous and a risk taker.
He was, at times, hard headed and determined; but, this trait is what brought him through some of his tough trials. He loved to spoil his girls, especially his wife Angie. He would often come home with an armful of gifts and treats.
He tried to take Angie on a date each week, so they could spend time together. James had a huge heart of gold. He would generously give money and anything he had to others and loved doing it.
He would give you the shirt of his back without even blinking. He was an inventor, a creator and was always excited to find something new. He was a successful entrepreneur of many businesses.
He was the idea, big picture, go-to guy. He had the attitude of “Fake it till you make it” and would stumble through until he figured it out. He loved searching and finding new things on the internet.
He was very much a night owl. He always enjoyed having the latest and greatest gadgets and was very tech savvy. He had an unwavering testimony of the gospel and of our Savior Jesus Christ and His atonement.
He wanted to share this testimony with others. Even while in the hospital he could be found talking about the gospel to the hospital staff and others around him. He taught the gospel to many on his mission and throughout his life.
He was a faithful servant to our Heavenly Father and fulfilled many church callings. He served as a missionary, Elders Quorum President and Counselor, Stake and Ward Young Men Presidencies, Sunday School teacher, Gospel Doctrine teacher, Family History Consultant and Ward Clerk to 3 bishops. James had a full life, not free from trials, but filled with learning moments, opportunities and growth.
James is survived by his wife Angie, daughter Rachel (Shinji) Ishigaki, Natalie Marsden, parents W. Kent and Dianne Marsden, 4 sisters and 5 brothers. Preceded in death by his sister Linda. James will be greatly missed by all.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 18 at 11 am at the South Jordan Parkway Stake Center located at 9894 S. 2700 W. South Jordan, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to services from 9:30 – 10:45 am and Tuesday evening from 6-8 pm at the same location. Thanks to family and friends and to the Premier Funeral Services.
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