James “Jim” Edgerton Poulsen

James Edgerton Poulsen, Ed.D, age 83, of Santa Clara, UT, passed away on September 13, 2026.

Jim was born November 6, 1942, in San Francisco, California, to Dr. Theodore Sullivan Poulsen and Vilate Delora Law Poulsen. His father was serving as a medical officer in the U.S. Navy during World War II when Jim was born and received news of his son's arrival by telegram while at sea.

Jim spent his childhood in Orland, CA and graduated from Brigham Young University in 1965 with a bachelor's degree in Engineering Technology. He later returned to BYU, earning a master's degree in Industrial and Technical Education in 1968, and went on to earn his doctorate from Utah State University in 1974.

While attending BYU, Jim developed a lifelong love of skiing and spent as much time as he could on Utah's slopes. More importantly, during his graduate studies he met Lynnette Walker, and the two were married in August 1966, recently celebrating their 60 year anniversary. Together they raised four children: Jim, Greg, Mark, and Jilynn.

Jim began his career in engineering before discovering that education was where he truly wanted to be. He taught at Oregon Technical Institute in Klamath Falls, Oregon, before joining Shasta Community College in Redding, California, in 1974. During his 31 years at Shasta College, he served as both a faculty member and administrator, eventually becoming Dean of Extended Education. He was especially proud of helping develop an interactive television system that expanded access to college courses for students in rural Northern California. He retired from Shasta College in 2005.

After retirement, Jim and Lynnette moved from Redding to Santa Clara, Utah. Retirement gave them the opportunity to travel extensively throughout the United States and around the world. Their adventures took them to China, Australia, Canada, Alaska, Central and South America, the Mediterranean, Germany, Switzerland, Hawaii, and many other destinations.

Jim also had a lifelong love of cars. From the 1951 Mercury he drove and modified as a teenager to the classic cars he restored later in life, he enjoyed working on automobiles almost as much as driving them. He particularly treasured his restored 1958 Austin-Healey and his 1950 Chevrolet.

Above all, Jim valued his family. He enjoyed having his children and grandchildren nearby and treasured the years he and Lynnette shared together.

Jim is survived by his wife, Lynnette; his children, Jim (Melissa) Gilbert, AZ, Greg (Larisa) Boise, ID, Mark (Maylene) Cedar Park, TX, and Jilynn (Dave) Mesa, AZ; 13 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; his brother Craig (Karen) Poulsen Clovis, CA; his sister Karen Zelenka Twin Falls, ID; sister Michelle (Sal) Versaggi Sonoma, CA; and many other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Vilate (nee Law) Poulsen, his brothers, Duard & Ernie Poulsen, and his granddaughter, Sydney Lynn Poulsen.

Funeral services will be held @ Pioneer Chapel: 3680 Pioneer Parkway, Santa Clara, UT 84765 on Friday, 9/18/26 at 11am with the viewing happening at the same location from 9:30-10:30am. Interment will take place at Murray City Cemetery on Saturday, 9/19/26 @ 12:30pm. Following the interment in Murray, a light lunch will be served at the home of John Walker (brother-in-law of Jim) 7564 S 1300 W, West Jordan, UT 84084.

Those unable to attend the service in person can join the livestream at 11:00am through this zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/91624262534

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 South Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454.

Family and friends are invited to share their condolences and sign Jim’s online guestbook at www.SpilsburyMortuary.com