James Allen Fager's Obituary
James Allen Fager, 74, of Layton, Utah, passed away on January 10, 2025, at home.
Born on December 18th, 1950 in Miami, Dade, Florida to Thomas Edward Fager and Nell Franklin Greene. After serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Los Angeles, California, James attended school at Brigham Young University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and Psychology. While attending BYU he met the love of his life, Helen Kate Jones. They married in the Los Angeles, California Temple on August 11, 1978 for time and all eternity. After getting married and becoming a father (eventually to 7 children), James also earned a Master’s of Social Work from the University of Utah. James spent his professional career searching for opportunities to help others. He worked for Utah Boys Ranch, the state of Utah, multiple inpatient agencies, and his own private practice. He also volunteered countless hours of therapy to young athletes and anyone else who came to him for help.
James loved serving others and offered his services wherever he saw the need. He also loved camping and going out on survival. Some of his favorite memories were backpacking with his sons and best friends in Escalante, Utah. One of his very favorite things to do was to make people laugh. He had a fantastic sense of humor and always looked for opportunities to brighten someone’s day with a joke. His humor played a big part in his role in the The Elkwater Flea and Tick Jug Band, a music group he frequently performed in with some of his very best friends. He was humble about it, but he had a great singing voice and loved music.
At different points in his life he accepted callings to serve in his church as Elders Quorum President, Executive Secretary, and his very favorites, teaching youth and primary ages and nursery leader.
James had a firm testimony in the Atonement of Jesus Christ and each individual’s ability to change and become more and more like the Savior every day. In his last days, he testified frequently about the Plan of Salvation and that because of his knowledge of it he was at peace. He was a beacon of light that guided and saved countless people from darker paths. His impact on the world cannot be forgotten.
He is survived by his beautiful wife, Katie Fager; his daughters, Jenni Evans, Annabrielle Davis (Dallin), and Felicia Robinson (Brooks); his sons, John Fager (Rowanna), Noah Fager (Sarah), Matthew Fager (Jessie), Adam Fager (Janessa); 27 grandchildren that he loved dearly; his mother in-law Marion Willis Jones; and his brother and sister in-laws, Greg (Lori), Peter (Lisa), Amy (Aaron) and Lorraine (Kris). He is preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Nell; his father in-law John R. Jones; his brothers, Edward “Frank” (Linda), David (Judy), William “Billy”; his sisters, June and Wanda (Wayne); his son in-law, Brandon Evans; his nephews John, Andrew, and Michael; his brother in-laws, Richard and Ralph.
We want to thank his doctors, nurses, home healthcare workers, and hospice for taking care of him.
“Always remember there was nothing worth sharing like the love that let us share our name.” -The Avett Brothers
The details for the funeral services to honor his life are listed below:
Viewing - Monday, January 27th, 2025 6pm-8pm
Family Viewing - Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 9:30am-10:30am
Funeral Service - Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 11am
The above services are at Country Creek Ward Building, 625 S. 750 E., Layton, Utah 84041
Burial - Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 following the funeral service
Lindquist Cemetery Address: 1867 N Fairfield Road, Layton, Ut 84041
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