On Monday, July 18th, James Preston Bunting, loving husband and father of 3 children passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 93
Jim was born on October 16, 1928 in Kanab, Utah to Preston and Clara (Little) Bunting. He graduated in 1946 from Kanab High School where he was very active in athletics. He began attending Utah State University In 1948 in Logan, Utah where he met and later married the love of his life Martha Jean Smoot. Jim enlisted in the Army in 1951 and upon completion of Boot Camp, he returned to Utah and married Marty in the Logan Temple on May 26, 1952. After his enlistment ended in 1953, Jim returned to Utah State University where he completed his degree in Range Management in 1956. After a brief stint working for the BLM and the Forest Service Jim returned to Kanab where he worked on the family ranch and in the grocery business. Jim and Marty went on to raise 2 daughters, Susan and Paula, and one son, Ladd.
Jim was passionate about his western heritage and nothing made him happier than being on the back of a good horse moving the herd to greener grass with his brothers. Jims’s idea of a vacation was to pack up the horses and head out into the hills for a hunting or fishing trip. He also maintained a pack of hunting hounds for many years and thrilled at the adventure of treeing a Mountain Lion or a Bear. Jim was also very dedicated to his beliefs in the Gospel. He served many positions in the church including Executive Secretary, High Priest Group Leader and his favorite, a good old Home Teacher.
Jim was proceeded in death by his father Preston, his mother Clara, brothers Ron and George, sister Arlene, and his beloved wife Marty. He is survived by his sister Addy Lou. His 3 children Susan (Kyle), Paula (Buster) and Ladd. Nine grandkids 14 great grandkids.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 23rd, at 12: 00pm at the Kanab Stake Center. A viewing will be held from 10:00 to 11:30 proceeding the Funeral. Interment will be at the Kanab City Cemetery. Funeral and burial arrangements are under the direction of Mosdell Mortuary, Kanab Utah.
A livestream of the funeral can be viewed at https://youtu.be/RtdzFG3zYaA. The link will go live about 15 minutes before funeral time, please call us at 435-644-2214 if there are any problems.
A beautiful tribute to a fine dad, grandpa and friend. Our sympathy to your family.
“A man filled with the love of God, is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race.”― Joseph Smith Jr.
Submitted in remembrance of Jim and Marty. Your example of love and service is paramount.