James Brent Packer July 2, 1947 - August 27, 2023

James Brent Packer, 76, of Highlands Village, Texas (previously lived Spanish Fork, Utah) passed away on August 27, 2023, after a courageous, 2 ½ year-long battle with cancer. He was born on July 2, 1947, in Denver, Colorado to his loving parents, James Crabtree and Anna Gwenlion Packer.

He grew up in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Brent attended Wheat Ridge High School, where he played baseball and football, and graduated in 1966. He continued his education at Ricks College (BYU Idaho) in Rexburg, Idaho after serving as a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the North British Mission from 1966 to 1968. His mission was a spiritual experience he loved and talked about often. While at Ricks College he met his sweetheart, Louise Heward, and on July 17, 1969, the happiest day of his life, they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple. Fifty-four years later, they are the parents of 3 beautiful children and 12 wonderful grandchildren.

Brent followed in his father’s footsteps, working for the “phone” company (Mountain Bell, US West, Qwest), where he retired in 2002 after 31 years of service. A year later he took a job working for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Orem, Utah Facilities Management Group, where he retired for the second, and last, time in 2013. There he worked with wonderful people who became some of his closest friends.

He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was honored to have served in many positions in the church. Brent served in many callings including, as a member of Arvada, Colorado Stake 70’s Quorum Presidency, as a Sunday School Teacher, as an Early Morning Seminary Teacher, as a member of a Bishopric, as Bishop, as a High Councilor, as a member of a Ward Young Men’s Presidency, as a member of a Stake Young Men’s Presidency, as a Temple Ordinance Worker in the Denver, Colorado Temple, Provo, Utah Temple, and Payson, Utah Temple, and as the Assistant Recorder in the Payson, Utah Temple. He loved those he served and served with. He loved Jesus Christ and tried to serve Him and follow His example. He will always be remembered as one who was a champion for those that needed help, care, or a listening ear. He wanted everyone to know that he was in their corner and that they had an advocate in him. He had a beautiful testimony and loved serving and sharing the gospel with those around him.

Brent loved his family and found his greatest joy in spending time with them. He loved to watch his children and grandchildren participate in sports and other activities and was a wonderful and devoted father and grandfather. His greatest love was Louise, and they had a happy marriage built upon true friendship. He was always a kind, patient, and loving husband. Brent had a great sense of humor. He was a kid at heart and loved to joke and have fun. He loved to talk, laugh, and spend time with those closest to him.

Brent’s favorite pastime was serving in the Temple. He was passionate about and loved the Temple. He would spend as much time as he possibly could attending and serving in the Temple. Some of his greatest friendships were found in serving His Father in the Temple. Brent was also an avid Scouter and, over the course of 35 years of service, served in several positions including, Scoutmaster, Advancement committee chair, Life to Eagle coordinator, Unit leader, Board of review coordinator, and as a Member of Nominating Committee for the Black Diamond District. He was also very involved with assisting, coordinating, leading, and attending several Timberline (Youth Leadership) and Wood Badge (Adult Leadership) camps. There are countless young men, including his two sons and four of his grandsons, who earned their Eagle Scout award, the highest award in Scouting, because of Brent’s commitment and willingness to spend time with each young man. In recognition of his dedication and years of service, Brent was awarded the distinguished Silver Beaver Award, the highest recognition a local Council can bestow upon volunteer leaders.

Brent is survived by his dear wife, Louise; their children: James Packer (Stacey), Kenneth Packer, Holly Tilley (Tom); and 11 grandchildren whom he adored. He is also survived by his older sister and only sibling: Bonnie Despain. He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Gwen, as well as his precious angel granddaughter, Abigail Nicole Packer.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, September 16, 2023, at the Spanish Fork Utah East Stake Chapel, 1150 East 1240 South, Spanish Fork, Utah 84660.  There will be two visitations, where family and friends may gather: Friday evening, September 15, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 187 South Main Street, Spanish Fork, Utah 84660, and Saturday morning, September 16, 2023, prior to the funeral, from 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. at the Spanish Fork Utah East Stake Chapel, 1150 East 1240 South, Spanish Fork, Utah 84660. The funeral will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday morning. Interment will be at Spanish Fork City Cemetery, 420 South 400 East, Spanish Fork, Utah.

In lieu of flowers, the family has established a Venmo account, Thewoman76, and is asking for donations to help their mother pay funeral expenses. Thank you.