James "Jim" Richard Tweed II's Obituary
James “Jim” Richard Tweed II, 65, passed away May 26, 2026 in West Valley City, Utah.
Jim was born in Salt Lake City, Utah to James and Barbara Tweed, and was the third of 7 children.
Jim graduated from Brighton High School in Salt Lake City in 1978. He was an eagle scout. After high school he worked and traveled a bit before choosing to dedicate his life to the military.
In 1987 Jim joined the army and dedicated the majority of his life to serving his country, retiring almost 20 years later in 2007. After his retirement he still continued to work for the army for almost another 10 years. Jim served all over the world including Kentucky, Virginia, Hawaii, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Afghanistan. He furthered his education through the military and became a 15 D aircraft Powertrain Regairer Instructor for the US Army Aviation and Logistics School (USAALS), Transportation Corps. He instructed his students on mechanics for past and present aircraft, including the Cobra, Huey, Kiowa, Black Hawk, Chinook, and Apache helicopters. Jim served well and with honor, receiving many awards and commendations throughout his career, but most importantly he was beloved by his students and the others he served with.
One former student said:
“James had an impact on me as a young soldier as I was going through the Powertrain course. He was a very thorough instructor and set me up for success for my future. It’s because of him, and other instructors, that I served as a Powertrain mechanic for 9 years in the army and 11 years as a Powertrain contractor up until October last year. I only got better as the years went by and I never forget those who helped me get where I am today. James surely played a part in where I am today and I’m forever indebted to him for it!” -D. Wilson
Another friend shared:
“He cared deeply about the soldiers he instructed and the people he served beside. He understood that leadership was not about rank or recognition. It was about taking care of people. Many of us became better soldiers, better leaders, and better human beings simply because Jim was part of our lives.
He connected people. He strengthened teams. He quietly held things together during difficult times without asking for recognition or praise. Many people may not have realized the full extent of what he contributed until they found themselves missing it.” H. Demmon
Ronald Reagan once said, “Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. The military doesn’t have that problem!”
We know that Jim made a difference in the lives of so many!
Jim met and married Brenda Simon in 1988 and they were married for 26 years. He adopted her two children, James Richard Tweed III, Courtney Roberts (Allen), and they also had a child together Ashley Evans (Wesley).
Jim loved the outdoors! He loved to fish and found peace in the quiet of nature. Anyone who knew Jim also knew that he loved to laugh, had a quick tongue with an intelligent sense of humor and he was an expert in the art of sarcasm. He also loved a good cigar and I’ve been told that would include an Alec Bradley Magic Toast cigar!
Jim is survived by his children James Richard Tweed III, Courtney Roberts (Allen), Ashley Evans (Wesley), his mother Barbara Jean Tweed (Riley), and his siblings Lenor Bingham (Rob), Lori Ripley (Robert), Jill Tryon (James), Tyler Tweed, Tiffany Versluis, and Noel Lloyd.
Jim was a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a soldier, a teacher, a friend,and will be greatly missed by all!
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider donating to the wounded warrior project or a similar charity.
https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org
A private graveside service will be held in Henefer, UT on June 13, 2026.
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