Jim Rudy's Obituary
Jim Rudy was born in Salt Lake City, UT on March 25th, 1964 and passed away on July 30th, 2014. He was 49 years old and holding (really he was 50).
During his youth, Jim made friends easily when he discovered how much fun it was to make people laugh. He had a great sense of humor and his energy was unparalleled.
He attended Cottonwood High School, and earned his Bachelor’s Degree as an Electrical Engineer from the University of Utah. He was very proud of this accomplishment.
Jim found his passion in the world of Electricity as he went from tinkering with it as a young man, to earning his Master Electricians license. He always strived for more and soon that wasn’t enough. Jim later pursued his BA and became a successful Electrical Engineer. His talents were vast and took him down many paths where he traveled the world and could accomplish any task that he was confronted with during his career.
He was very gracious with his many talents and always willing to help any of his family and friends by adding illumination in their homes, upgrade their services, or fix a silly wire someone was too scared to touch. It made him giggle inside, as it was so easy for him. His reward was the feeling of fulfillment he had to make someone’s world a better and safer place to live. He brought light to shadowy corners and added warmth to darkness.
His fondest memories were those spent with his brother Scott at the family cabin near Smith & Morehouse reservoir. He couldn’t wait for the summer to come so they could spend the whole summer together working on the cabin, and messing around doing the things mischievous boys do. He loved the squirrels, they were his buddies. He often said that if he could come back as anything it would be a squirrel. They were free to be and do whatever they wanted to, and they were always happy. To this day he talked to them and feed them every day at his own home. It reminded him of those long summer months with his brother that he cherished so dearly.
His talents did not end as an Electrical Engineer. He could accomplish anything he set his mind to. If he wanted it bad enough he got it.
He always made time for his hobbies. He was a NASCAR guru, which included collecting and building model cars. He won numerous awards across the State in; “The Greater Salt Lake Model Car Championship” and other various competitions. He was so talented; he filled special request orders to build cars for many NASCAR fan collectors. Jim loved his music. So much so that he taught himself to play the guitar. He had played in several bands that performed for events and birthday parties. He loved making people feel good, and could see it on their faces when they played. The last few years he started enjoying more time outdoors. He started gardening, built a greenhouse, and spent many hot summer afternoons golfing with friends and the love of his life, Brenda.
He is survived by his life companion; Brenda. Parents, Bonnie and Richard; Bob and Donna. In-Laws, Brent and Glenda. Children, Regan, Zane, Kacy and Zack. Siblings, DeAnne and Matt; Jason and LeighAnn; and many step-siblings, Aunts, Uncles and cousins.
Our memories of Jim will be forever cherished.
A viewing will occur Monday, August 4th at 10:30-11:30 at Washington Heights Church: 1770 E 6200 S, South Ogden, UT 84405. A grave side service will follow at noon at Ogden City Cemetery located east of Washington Blvd and north of 20th Street, Ogden, UT.
In lieu of flowers, donations toward the head stone are graciously accepted by the family and will be collected by Becky Frost.
What’s your fondest memory of Jim?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jim?
Share a story where Jim's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jim you’ll never forget.
How did Jim make you smile?