Our beloved Husband, Dad, Brother, Uncle, Son, and (if you asked him) most importantly "Dampa," unexpectedly passed away at the age of 62, in the evening of October 14th, 2022.

See 7 photos

James Parker Earl was born in Salt Lake City Utah on August 12th, 1960 to Harry Allen Earl and Merla V Keetch. He was the third of four children, Richard, Nancy, and his younger sister Lisa. They grew up together in Cottonwood Heights where Jimmy could frequently be found in Farmer Brown's field. He loved basketball, skateboarding, and playing on the sand hill with his friends.

Jim attended Butler as a Bruin, where he first met his future wife at 12 years old. They graduated in '79 from Brighton High School. As a young adult, Jim loved dancing, music, and having a good time wherever he went. He loved reminiscing about his trips to Hawaii, Mexico, California, and Seattle. Jim got into plenty of shenanigans with his buddies, which he spoke of fondly.

Jim has always been passionate and some of his best memories were playing golf with his Dad, dancing at the club, and caring for his animal companions. Chipper was his childhood dog, which he always said if he could have another he would. Another Chipper ended the cycle of American Eskimo dogs and started his love for poodles. Teddy Bear, Beau, and Russet were always by his side. Beau being his best buddy.

“"Hit the button, push the button, hit the button twice."”

In '85 Jim reconnected with his wife Michelle, and shortly after on March 14th, 1986 they tied the knot. Jim and Michelle then had 3 children, Parker, Dalton and Madison who they adore. Fatherhood was one of his greatest joys and his kids never questioned how much they were loved by him until his grandkids were born. What we didn't realize is that his cup never emptied, and his adoration for his family never subsided.

Dad always had a Dr. Pepper in his hand, perfectly cut and styled hair, and a joke in his back pocket. He never hesitated to lend a helping hand, and could be relied on by family, friends, and neighbors. Recently Dad was able to go see one of his favorite bands, Steve Miller Band. Dad always said if he were to get a tattoo it would be the iconic Steve Miller Band horse.

Jim is survived by his wife, Michelle, children, Parker, Dalton (Tori), and Madison (Chase) Derr. Also his grandchildren, Violet and Charlie, and his siblings and in laws. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, and his baby sister Penny.

A Viewing will be held for Jim on Thursday October 20th, from 6-8 pm at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E 10600 S Sandy, UT 84092.

Friday October 21st, we will have an additional Viewing at 11 am and a Celebration of Life at 12 pm at the Buttercup Stake Center, 1600 E Buttercup Dr, Sandy UT 84092. Burial Services will follow at the American Fork Cemetery, 26 W 600 N St, American Fork, UT 84003.

Please donate towards Memorial Services if you can, thank you.