James (Jim) Monsen

Magna, UT - James Andrew Monsen passed away in the early morning hours of Sunday, July 7, 2024, due to complications resulting from surgery. Jim was born on November 26, 1960, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to James Richard "Dick" Monsen and Marilyn June Timco Monsen. He was raised in Magna, residing on Jean Street along with his two older brothers, David and Jeff. As a boy, Jim attended Ute football games with his father and with neighborhood friends. He and his family often visited their cabin in Oakley, Utah, where they would go hiking.

As a child, Jim attended the schools of Lake Ridge and Magna Elementary. He went on to Brockbank Junior, before attending Cyprus High. At Cyprus, he was a kicker for the school's football team, the Pirates. During high school he worked at the Cyprus ice rink, where he operated the zamboni. After work, he and his friends played hockey for fun. He graduated in 1979.

That fall, Jim continued his schooling at the University of Utah and attended classes intermittently after being hired at Kennecott. He began at the Arthur Mill and later worked as a pipefitter at the smelter where he served out his tenure until the early 2000s. While there, Jim was a die hard member of the United Steelworkers of America Local 392. He served as an officer for many years while working at the smelter.

In addition to working for Kennecott, Jim became an apprentice plumber under his brother Jeff, while working for his company, Jeff's Plumbing, during the early 80's.

In early 1990, Jim met Vickie Ridd Glenn, marrying her later that year. Through their marriage, he became the step-father of Vickie's two daughters, Jamey and Meggan. Together Jim and Vickie had one child, James Ian. Jim would often say to friends and family that his son was the one thing he was most proud of in life. He eventually returned to the U of U, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Consumer and Community Studies in late 2004. Later, Jim and Vickie divorced, yet still cared for each other and remained friends and co-parents.

In late 2007, Jim began working at Salt Lake Community College's Redwood Campus and also worked at nearly every campus across the valley. At the time of his passing, he was actively employed at SLCC as a plumber.

Jim loved sports, particularly golf, football and baseball. He was quite good at golf, especially in his younger years. He spent many hours golfing and even won a few championships around the valley. He was also an avid football fan, and began following his favorite team, the New England Patriots, at the age of ten. He was passionate about every win and loss. He collected numerous pieces of Patriots merchandise and displayed them proudly. Being an alumnus of the U, he also cared a great deal about Utes football, collecting many pieces of Utes merchandise as well. He was a big fan of baseball, with the Yankees and the Red Sox being his top two favorite teams.

Jim was an encyclopedia of knowledge, always being able to recall birthdates, historical events and sports trivia. A huge fan of rock music, Jim’s favorite band of all time was the Doors. He was a big history buff, often speaking about various wars in great detail. His favorite film was Patton. He even visited the Custer Battlefield while on a trip to Mount Rushmore. He could rattle off countless names and dates, and was always keen to answer questions from anyone who was interested.

A friendly man, Jim was a unique and interesting person, with an odd but very funny sense of humor. He was a beloved uncle, grandfather and friend who enjoyed watching any recital or game he was able to attend. His distinct nature will be remembered fondly, and he will be greatly missed.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Dick and Marilyn, as well as his brother David. He is survived by his brother Jeff (Connie) Monsen, ex-wife and friend Vickie Monsen, daughters Jamey Lopez and Meggan Clark, son J. Ian Monsen, his five grandchildren, Tre (Kenady) Clark, Alivia Lopez, Kaitlin (Conner) Campbell, Maren Lopez, and Jade Garcia, as well as his four nieces and four nephews. 

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, July 11, 2024at Peel Funeral Home, 8525 W. Magna Main St., Magna, Utah. Viewing will be held prior to the service, beginning at 9:00 am. Interment will be at Valley View Memorial Park, 4335 W. 4100 S., West Valley City, Utah. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Driving Out Diabetes at:  https://umarket.utah.edu/ugive/index.php.