James Elmer Barlow

James Elmer Barlow, age 82, passed away on March 24, 2026. He was born on June 7, 1943, and was raised in Bountiful, Utah, where he built a strong foundation of hard work, family, and faith.

Jim attended Bountiful High School and the University of Utah. In his younger years, he worked alongside his father and brothers delivering vegetables in southern Idaho and northern Utah, and he spent much of his career as a salesman and later as a loan officer at a bank, where he was known for his dedication and hard work. He was also actively involved in supporting his father’s successful campaign for Mayor of Bountiful, an experience that reflected his love for the freedoms of America and his interest in civic involvement.

He married his high school sweetheart, Dianne Needham Barlow, and together they built a life centered on love, devotion, and family. From 2014 to 2015, they served a mission for The Church Of Jesus Christ together in St. Louis, Missouri, where they formed lasting friendships and cherished experiences. During the later years of their life, Jim was an amazing caretaker for his wife, and everyone could see the deep love and devotion they shared.

Jim valued lifelong friendships. He and Dianne cherished late-night card games and vacations with their friends, and he spent many early mornings playing basketball with his friends, building memories that lasted a lifetime.

Jim will be remembered for his strong and steady personality – often described as stubborn, but in the way that showed his determination, loyalty, and deep love for those around him.

He was an avid University of Utah basketball fan and a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He found peace in McCall, Idaho, especially in the early mornings skiing across the glassy waters of Payette Lake.

Above all, Jim cared deeply about his family. He loved being a “girl dad” and took great pride in his daughters. His sweetheart, his children, and especially his grandchildren were his world. He also found deep fulfillment in serving as an ordinance worker in the temple during the last months of his life. He loved working with his hands and had a special talent for building wooden toys, decor, furniture, and countless meaningful pieces that will be cherished for years to come.

He is survived by his children: Amy Baldwin (Stephen), Angela Martinez (Kelly), and Valerie Bushell. He was a proud grandfather to Joseph, Cole, Jackson, Grant, Sunnie, Faith, Erin, Autumn, Lucy, Paisley, Greyson, and Kye, and a great-grandfather to 15 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Deanne Knight; and brother, Kay Barlow (Becky).

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dianne Barlow; parents, Margaret Burningham Barlow and Elmer Wright Barlow; his brother, Robert Barlow; sister-in-law Joanne, and his beloved granddaughter, Faith Angela Martinez.

Jim leaves behind a legacy of hard work, deep friendship, devotion, craftsmanship, faith, and quiet acts of love that will continue to live on through his family.

An evening viewing will be held on Friday, March 27, 2025, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Russon Mortuary, 295 N. Main Street in Bountiful, Utah.

Funeral services will held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2025, at the Dry Creek Ward, 720 East 550 North in Bountiful, with a viewing from 9:30–10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services.

Interment will follow the funeral at the Bountiful City Cemetery, 2224 South 200 West in Bountiful.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary & Crematory YouTube Channel and on this obituary below.