James Walter Strasters 1940-2018 James Walter Ebenezer Braisnow Higgenbothem Gallahad Percival Abercrombie Strasters the Third, “Jim,” moved on to his next adventure on the evening of May 23, 2018. He was born September 24, 1940 in Salt Lake City, Utah, the oldest child of Dorothy Burdick and James Strasters Sr. From the time he was a young child, Jim possessed the unique ability of being an empathetic caretaker who looked out for and fiercely protected his loved ones, while at the same time making people laugh through his teasing, funny nick names that he gave to everyone, vivid storytelling and incredible wit. Family was the most important thing to him, and he proved that on a daily basis.
Jim was proud to be the big brother to Maryann, Richard and Steven, all of which he loved dearly. He learned to drive early, and at 14 drove his own mother to court after he was caught driving without a license, so she could testify that he would not do it again. He took her home afterward, and then went to pick up his dad.
He later taught his mother to drive at the age of forty. He graduated from West High School in 1958, and went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Utah. From there Jim furthered his education and studied finance at the Stonier College of Banking at Rutgers University.
In his career, Jim was proud to be employed by the FDIC, the SBA, as a bank examiner for the state of Utah and as a bankruptcy analyst for the U.S. federal government. While Jim was a finance man at heart, he found great joy in learning. He studied psychology, physiology and had a passion for photograpgy.
He was proud to serve in the United States military, first in the Army ROTC then the Army National Guard and Navy Reserve. Jim retired from the Navy Reserve as a Chief Petty Officer. Jim was a master storyteller, he loved to tell his tales to everyone he met.
We aren’t exactly sure how many of them were true, but he remained consistent (nearly word for word) over the years, so we think at least he thought they were true. Jim loved spending time with his wife Jackie, and together they enjoyed the simple pleasures in life, including day trips to Idaho to get a single lottery ticket. They were certain they would win it big one day, which would ensure their ability to continue their daily trips to Village Inn for strawberry banana French toast.
Jim loved Jimmy Buffet’s music, Jeff Dunham’s puppets (we think Walter was inspired by Jim but Achmed was his favorite), and a good planter’s punch every so often. Jim is survived by the love of his life, Jackie; children, Rick (Peejay), Robyn, Michelle Albert (Rick), Richelle and Suzanne (Seth); grandchildren, Lonnie (Antasia), Spencer (Jen), Eric, Jaden and Nickolas; great grandchildren, Tatum, Vega, Brinley and Jaxton. Brothers, Richard (Camille) and Steven (Deanna) and many extended family members.
And although he always claimed to not like animals, he could be caught sheepishly petting Jackie’s dog Allie, and cat Mia, so we include them as survivors too. Jim was welcomed to the other side by his grandparents, mother, father, sister, and a host of extended family members. We know they have missed Jim, and it was a joyful reunion.
He was also greeted by a plethora of four-legged family members (mostly Richelle’s) who were barking, meowing and tweeting at him as he entered those pearly gates. We are sure he was rolling his eyes, having head tantrums and swearing under his breath to not have escaped them still. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at Cannon Mortuary, 2460 Bengal Blvd (7600 South) on Thursday, May 31st at noon with a viewing one hour prior to service.
Interment to follow at Mountain View Memorial Park, 3115 East 7800 South at 1:30 pm where Jim will receive full military honors. Jim, you put up a good fight. We love you.
We miss you. We know you’re in a great place now – just remember, no booze, no girls and no wild parties!
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