James Edward Glasper

James Edward Glasper was born to the union of Alonzo Glasper and Izoria (Midgett) Glasper, who preceded him in death. He was born in Vandermier, N.C., on April 5, 1934, and transitioned from this life February 14, 2023. He had 4 siblings. Hazel Marie Glasper (LeDuff) and Caroline Elizabeth Glasper (Jones) both preceded him in death. He has two sisters to cherish his memories: Edna Ruth Glasper (Ware) of Salt Lake City, Utah, and E. Faye Glasper (Wine) of Atlanta, Georgia.

James was married to Virginia Hazel Armstrong. who preceded him in death. To their union 8 children were born. He was also married to Helen Fisher (who preceded him in death) and he became a father to a daughter. His children are: Karynthia Annette Glasper Phillips (Timothy), James Edward Glasper Jr., Blondina Glasper White (Richard), Demetry Glasper, Stephanie Glasper, Stephan Glasper (preceded him in death), Thia Marie Grayson, and Terrance Alonzo Glasper, and Sonya Little-Jones (William). 
His grandchildren: Terrell, Amber, Eboni, Jordan, Curtis, Deshawn (Lisa), April, Treatta (Nebiyou), Danielle, (Latoya and Kendraya both preceded him in death),  Moniece, Stephan, Shaquille, Kwanmaine, Stacey, Terrence, Tiyana, Shaneece, Terrance Jr., Jamal, Terran, Shante, Lanette Tillman (Tyrone), Shanna Little, Monica Gill(Anthony), and there are 36 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandson to continue his legacy.

He was educated in the public school systems in New Bern, N.C., graduated from West High School and attended North Carolina College. He was commissioned in Raleigh N.C. to the United States Army July 1, 1954, and with an honorable discharge completed his assignment as a para-trooper June 29, 1956. He was awarded the National Defense Medal Para-trooper Badge. James Edward Glasper grew in the knowledge of his Lord and Savior. He enjoyed praying and listening to his children pray and sing with him.

He lived several years in New Haven, Connecticut, and enjoyed his role as a musician playing in a local band. Later moving to Salt Lake City, Utah, he continued his love for music as a musician/singer with the Utah Travelers Gospel group performing across the state. Their dedication earned an honorarium commendation from the governor of Utah. James received many accolades as a musician in our community. James was a conductor and trombonist for the West Valley Symphonic Orchestra.

James Edward Glasper was the minister of music for several local churches including Shiloh Baptist Church and Solid Rock Baptist Church. As the minister of music, he served his church home Unity Baptist Church in Salt Lake City, Utah, under the pastorate of Rev. Harold O. Fields.

Affectionately known as “Daddy Jim,” he was very passionate about the arts as it was not unusual to see him playing a piano anywhere. Yes, even in the mall, and restaurants if he saw a piano not being used, he would go play. Ironically, he was an actor in various plays. In March 1979, he was interviewed as one of the actors in a Black History production. The local community newspaper featured two of his quotes: “Adversity made us strong” and “Faith in God kept us loving” words that we can live by in our world today. James Edward Glasper not only loved the arts he was a man who loved life to the fullest. He enjoyed indoor and outdoor activities, such as landscaping, and fishing. He was an avid fan of the Utah Jazz and Running Utes football, and good southern cooked food. What a man. Our beloved father’s accomplishments did not surpass his dedication to his family and church life.

James Edward Glasper “A Family Man and Friend to All” his legacy will be remembered as one whose heartfelt smile touched many lives as he demonstrated kindness to those he encountered. He was a man of honor, a man of his word, and a man of God. It is his desire that all who knew him love one another and enjoy life.

He has gone to be with the Father; however, James leaves many memories to keep him alive in the hearts of a host of siblings, daughters, sons, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, a great-great-grandson, and friends to cherish. May this beloved patriarch’s life speak and teach his lineage life lessons of unity, love, peace, joy, and honor. We love you . . . Daddy, Big Papa, and Daddy Jim.

“I am not present in body, but my spirit lives on through the memories that we made together.”

Celebration of Life Service for James Edward Glasper will be held on

Monday, February 27, 2023

Viewing 11 am

Service 12 noon

Unity Baptist Church, 1170 West 1000 North, Salt Lake City, Utah 84116

Burial Camp Williams:  Utah Veterans Cemetery and Memorial Park

Memories may be shared in the "Guestbook" on this obituary page.