Jim Dotson

James Joseph Dotson was born June 29, 1938, to Lorraine James Dotson and Garnetta Eyre in Milford, Beaver, Utah. His siblings are Robert Bohn, Saun Bohn, Mildred Friel, Sharon Pulsipher, Scott Dotson, Marilyn Wilkinson and Ron Dotson. Jim passed away March 28, 2024, in Malad, Idaho. He grew up wild and free roaming Pecker Neck and Rabbit Hill in Beaver and Utah County.  He joined the Air Force when he was 17 years old.  While serving in the Air Force, he gained a testimony of the restored gospel and decided to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints.  He was called to serve in the Finland Helsinki mission, where he served 2 ½ years.  After his mission he enrolled in Utah Technical college and later received his degree from Weber State college in electronics.   He met Zada Jean Morley while roller skating in Salt Lake City. They were married on March 16, 1963, in the Manti LDS temple. He is the father of Natalie Kay Shepherd (Dennis), James J. Dotson Jr. (Carrie), Sherry Morrill, Donna Potter (Bryan).  

He worked at Hill Air Force base for many years. He took TDY assignments that took his family to very wonderful parts of the country; Great Falls, MT, Cheyenne, WY and Grand Forks, ND.   He loved to serve his community and served on the Kaysville Fire Department for 47 years.  He loved a good “rippin” fire.   Jim taught by example and was hard-working.  Jim took great pride and joy in his family; he was happiest when we were all together.  Jim loved his beautiful wife; they enjoyed their friendship and humor while respecting one another's talents and attributes.  He   expected his children to respect their mother.  He loved her and everyone knew that.  

He loved his pioneer heritage, and loved the USA, a true patriot. He loved his garden, often recruiting grandkids to plant, weed, or mow; sharing conversation and lunch with them.  He was a season ticket holder to BYU football. He put thousands of miles on his multiple four wheelers.  His sweetheart, Zada, went on most of the trips but didn't necessarily enjoy the ride but loved being with him and their friends.    

He had a very strong heart but had poor plumbing, he had a total of 16 bypasses; this only added to his love and passion for each day he was given. He enjoyed trying many different things, he loved spending time with his buddy Clyde Rigby down on “the farm”.  He was excited about trying new things and loved technology but didn't always quite get it.  He wanted to always learn, he took advantage of opportunities such as becoming an EMT, becoming an expert in genealogy and attending classes at the National Fire Academy.  He would dive deep, even if it was short lived.   There are three ways to get things accomplished, The Right Way, The Wrong Way, and His Way. He was very social and wanted his opinion known, and when you disagreed “Well, Bless Your Heart”.   

Before retirement, his routine was home, Sills, Hill, Sills and home.  In the past few years, he loved the “Old Farts Club” at RB’s One Stop, drinking Diet Coke and a double chocolate donut while hanging out with buddies and solving the world's problems.   He was very positive and offered uplifting thoughts and actions which provided hope. He also enjoyed the time he spent as a Bountiful Temple worker. If you knew Jim, you knew the phrase “I’ll Decide”. 
  
 His passing leaves his family with sadness but a sure knowledge that Families are Forever.   He is survived by his daughters: Natalie, Sherry, Donna and son Jim Jr. Grandkids: Lindsee, Sabrina, Chase, Jimmy, Cheylie, Benton, Jake, Maryn, Cambree, Chet, Maloree, McCall, Maisey, Matt, Dutch and 27 great grandkids. He is also survived by brothers Scott and Ron and his sister Marilyn.  

 He joins his sweetheart Zada, who passed away just 99 days earlier.  He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Bob and Saun. Sisters: Mildred and Sharon.  Grandkids: Meagan Morrill, Mason Morrill and Jake Shepherd.  Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 5, 2024 at 11:00 am held at the Gailey Park Ward Chapel 331 S. 50 W., Kaysville, Utah. With a viewing prior from 9:30 -10:30.  A viewing will also be held Thursday, April 4, 2024 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Russon Mortuary, 1941 N. Main St. Farmington, Utah. For those unavailable to attend, the service will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and on this obituary page. The live stream will begin about 10-15 minutes prior to the service and will be posted below.