James S. Sawaya Obituary (1927 - 2017)

Born on July 24, 1927 to Sabeh A. and Nafy R. Sawaya in Kemmerer, WY. He enlisted in the Navy at the age of 18 and spent his duty on the main Island in Hawaii. He returned shortly after the war ended and moved to Salt Lake City with his parents. He graduated from the University of Utah Law School in 1954, went into private practice before being appointed Judge for Murray City in 1959 and subsequently appointed to the Third Judicial District Court in 1970. He gained numerous friends through his years on the bench and was respected and admired by many. He received many awards during his tenure and retired in 1992 but continued work as a mediator for American Arbitration Association. Dad married Joyce Pauline Severson in 1956 and considered it the greatest event of his life. They spent years growing an amazing family, a ‘gang’ of friends and making this world a better place. Their laughter, love, golf, trips to Bear Lake, and numerous gatherings in their home show their love for each other and life. Dad never met a stranger and endeared people to him no matter the circumstance. Thank you to all the friends and family that visited him, took him to lunch and dinner, engaged in conversation and listened as he told his stories. Oh how we’ll miss those stories. He is now dancing again with his wife Joyce and is finally able to hug his parents, his 7 older brothers, 1 sister and all the friends and family that have gone before him. He is survived by his 7 ‘ridiculous children and no idea how many grandchildren’ (his words, not ours). We’ve kept track for him and by our account his children are: Beverly Simpson, Keith (Becky), Paul (Marla), Judith (Lance) Sampson, Annette (Steve) Chaus, Jim Jr. (Cathy), and Carol (John) Calacino, 25 devoted grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren. Not sure what heaven looks like but we picture Mom, Dad, their family and friends gathered in God’s presence with laughter and peace. Thank you Dad for your wisdom and for the unconditional love. You are missed already and until we meet again, give Mom a hug for us and know we will love you both always. There will be a rosary on Friday September 22nd at 5pm followed by a viewing from 6pm-8pm at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church (1375 East Spring Lane) and also on Saturday September 23rd prior to the service, from 10am to 10:45 am at the church. We will celebrate with a funeral Mass at 11:00 am at St. Vincent DePaul with internment at Murray City Cemetery. Luncheon to follow at the Church. Condolences may be shared at www.jenkins-soffe.com. Dad was a devout member of St. Vincent’s parish and would be seen every Sunday at 9am in the back pew. He never missed Mass with the exception of the past month. It is fitting that in lieu of flowers the family asks donations be made in his name to St. Vincent’s Church at 1375 Spring Lane, Holladay, Utah 84117.