James Earl Box passed away, peacefully in his sleep, during the early morning hours of September 20, 2023.
In Jim’s 90 years of life, he accomplished much and touched the lives of many.
He was born on July 18, 1933, in Payson, Utah to George Earl Box and Sarah May Lewellen Box. At age 8, his father passed away and he and his sister, Leona, were raised by their mother. Years later, Jimmy was given a younger brother, Jay, who he loved dearly. Jimmy spent many years living in Diamond Fork Canyon working on a ranch helping his uncle Alvey.
At 17, he convinced his mother to let him join the Army and in February of 1951 he was sent to Fort Flagler, Washington for basic training; a place he called his second home. While at Fort Flagler, the military gave him the opportunity to complete his high school education where he graduated from Port Townsend High School with the class of 1951. After his training, he was assigned to the Army’s 369th Engineering Amphibious Support division. In 1953, Fort Flagler was deactivated, and his unit had the honor of closing the doors. Jim was assigned to serve at camp Desert Rock in Nevada to participate in atomic bomb tests, two of which he experienced up close and personal. After Nevada, he was stationed in Germany for the last year of the WWll occupation.
Following his tour of duty, Jim met Phyllis Biggs while on a group hike to Timpanogos Cave. They were married on October 12, 1956, and sealed in the Manti Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on February 25, 1959.
To support his young family, Jim found employment at Geneva Steel, but moved on to work at Nebo School District as a custodian. He found his place in the Payson City Police Reserves and became a patrol officer. Jim was appointed to serve as Chief of the Payson City Police Department. During his tenure as chief, Jim also drove a school bus for Nebo School District, played a key role in the establishment of the Payson City Ambulance in 1972, and became certified as an EMT.
After wrapping up his career in the Payson City Police Department, Jim continued to serve the community by accepting a position as a judge in the Payson City Court system and finally, as a senior Judge where he retired after having served the community for nearly 60 years.
Jim enjoyed fly fishing and raising exotic birds. He loved to paint with oils and draw with charcoal. He also loved to play harmonica, guitar, banjo, and played bass and tenor drums in the Utah Pipe Band for 25 years.
His greatest and most influential role has been to his family. He was a loving husband to his sweetheart, Phyllis, for 46 years until her death in 2003. He played an active role in the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
He will be fondly remembered and truly missed.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father, his sister, Leona Butler, his brother, Jay Box, his loving wife, Phyllis, and his Son, Kevin.
James is survived by his children: Michael (Todd Bowcutt) Box, Teresa (Bart) Wilson, Rebecca (Todd) Provstgaard, Annette (Albert) Lauts, 12 grandchildren: Brett Wilson, Ryan Provstgaard, Brittany Lundell, Ausia Lauts, Jacob Provstgaard, Erica Lauts, Brandon Wilson, Blake Provstgaard, Savannah Carling, Brooklyn Christensen, Sierra Lauts, and Elijah Lauts, and 12 great-grandchildren.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to A-Plus Hospice for their respectful and tender care during his last days.
Please join us in celebrating James’ life. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 25, 2023, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 780 West 500 South in Payson, Utah. Visitation will be prior from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the church. There will also be visitation on Sunday, September 24, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 587 South 100 West, Payson, Utah. Interment with military honors will be in Payson City Cemetery, 400 North 800 East, Payson, Utah.
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Judy Robinson Spencer says
September 23, 2023 at 12:25 amDear Mike,
Sending you and your family my deepest condolences.
God Bless
Your old school and beauty school friend.
Myrth Dixon Carter says
September 24, 2023 at 4:25 pmTeresa Becky Michael Annette, I loved your dad so much. He’s lived a good long life but I know it’s still hard to lose your daddy. He touched so many people. When I was little and our parents were friends he used to see me the Smokey the Bear Song. He was one person that got through to my brother and his troubled life. Scott really respected him. Perhaps they’ll meet again. Know that you’re in my thoughts in my prayers. They’re going to be thousands of people at his green but hopefully I’ll be one that makes it through. Love you all!
Jeff T Clements says
September 24, 2023 at 10:54 pmI’m so deeply sorry for your loss Teresa, Becky and Annette. Always loved your parents. Much love and deepest condolences.
Judge Kevin L Nelson says
September 26, 2023 at 2:58 amDear Box Family,
Many of us have had the privilege of serving with the Honorable Judge James Box. He was a wonderful person and fine judge, who respected those who came before him and justice, as he helped improve the lives in his community. Please accept our condolences. He will be missed.
Rick Romney says
September 26, 2023 at 1:52 pmDear Family of Jim Box:
Please know of our sympathy for the passing of Judge Box. He was a wonderful man and a fine judge. He gave so much to the community and helped make it a better place for his judicial and other service. He will be missed. The world is better because Jim Box was here in it.
Rick Romney
Board Chairman, Utah Justice Court Judges
Kirk Mittelman says
September 26, 2023 at 6:22 pmTheresa, Becky, Annette and Mike:
Words just cannot cover how much your dad meant to our family. He was a leader, a mentor, a friend, a grandpa, a dad and most of all one of truest people I have ever had the honor to be around.
From the time Margaret and I got to Payson in 1980 your dad and mom were always there for our family. Taking us fishing, a trip to Vegas, showing me how be a police officer and how to lead.
One memory I will always cherish is fishing with your dad in Payson Canyon going up Right Hand Fork. Jessica was with us and your dad was showing us how to fish the creek. We stepped over a log and set off a hornet’s nest. Jessica had bib overalls on, just like your dad. The hornets got into her bibs and she was stung several times.
Your dad showed no panic, just the wisdom of an old sage. He calmly took care of Jessica putting mud on the stings and soothing her screams with me. A trip that to this day Jessica and I will always cherish.
Our family sends our love to yours as you mourn the loss of your father. We also Thank You for sharing your dad with us to help guide our family through thick and thin.
Love to you all, Kirk Margaret Jessica Jamie Joey John and the entire Mittelman Family.
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