James D. Sears' Obituary
On the morning of Monday January 16th, 2023, James Derrel (Jim) Sears joined those that have gone before him to heaven. Jim was born November 26, 1948, in Dahlonega, Georgia and raised in Marietta, where he lived until leaving Georgia for Utah for college in 1967. While in Utah, Jim met Robyn Gough (divorced 1983). They had sons Rhett and Ashley. Many years later, 1996, Jim met and married Joy Hecht. Later Joy gave birth to Jordan.
In his life, Jim spent many years serving as a police officer, both in Marietta, GA and Sandy City, UT. where he specialized and excelled in traffic accident recreation as one of the premier agents in this discipline before it was taken over by cameras and computers. After retiring from the police force, Jim enjoyed his time supporting one of his other life hobbies, cars. Working for several parts suppliers, Jim finally settled at Napa Auto Parts, where he continued to work until his last days. With his outgoing personality, Jim made friends easily everywhere he worked and considered many of those co-workers as family. None more treasured than his lifelong friend from College, Larry Boydston.
Anyone that has met him knows that Jim's life revolved around his family, including his dog, Morgan, and his beloved University of Utah, where he played football in the late '60s, and then returned to finally graduate with his bachelor's degree in 1992. His diploma and class ring were his most treasured possessions. These were an opening topic for any conversation with anybody anywhere. Jim was always there to let everyone know how well the Runnin' Utes were doing in their respective sports, with a special focus on the football team which he was a season ticket holder for many years, long before the recent success of the program.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James Nathaniel (Nat) and Ocie Mae, and brother Gary (Marion), as well as his beloved Jack Russel Terrier, Captain Jack Daniels. He survived by his 3 sons, Rhett (Vickie), Ashley (Roxanne), and Jordan Marbury, his 4 grandchildren, Zachary (Emily), Amanda (Ben) Schofield, Chelsey, and Katelynn, and 3 great-grandchildren Raedyn, Jaylor, and Iyla.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?