William Arvil James

In Loving Memory of William Arvil James

William Arvil James passed away peacefully on September 1, 2026, at the age of 95. Born January 4, 1931, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Arvil was the oldest son of William Nathaniel James and Catherine Florence Brown James. He spent nearly his entire life in Utah, a place he loved deeply and whose history, landscapes, and people were woven into the fabric of his life.

Arvil graduated from Granite High School in 1949 and attended the University of Utah.

On October 24, 1953, he married the love of his life, Barbara Faye Piatt. Together they built their home and raised their family in Salt Lake City, sharing 71 years of marriage, family adventures, and countless memories.

Arvil worked for the Great Basin Market Administration of the Department of Agriculture as an auditor until his retirement. But his work was only one part of a life filled with the things he loved most. He was an avid sportsman who loved hunting and fishing and was happiest when he was outdoors. He was a lifelong dog lover and had a deep appreciation for nature and the beauty of Utah.

Arvil had a genuine curiosity about the world around him. He loved history and was especially proud of his family’s connection to the original Utah pioneers. He also had a fascination with dinosaurs and geology and delighted in passing that curiosity on to his children. He taught his daughters and sons about Utah’s geological history, and family trips often became opportunities for exploration and discovery. He took his children to places like Dinosaur Land and the La Brea Tar Pits, creating memories that would stay with them long after the trips were over.

He enjoyed country and gospel music and was a passionate fan of the Utah Jazz and the University of Utah Utes. After retirement, he spent much of his time farming, hunting, fishing, and simply enjoying the outdoors. Most of all, he loved being involved in the lives of his family. He could often be found in the stands or on the sidelines cheering on his great-grandchildren at their dancing, school performances, concerts, soccer, lacrosse, cross-country, football, basketball and other activities. Being part of their lives brought him great joy.

Arvil was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara; his parents; his sister, Audrey James Riley; and his brother, Alma Don James.

He is survived by his four children, Laura James Payton, Kathryn Ann “Kate” James, William Kevin James, and Bradley James; 12 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren, who will carry his memory forward.

Arvil will be remembered for his love of family, his adventurous spirit, his appreciation for the outdoors, his curiosity about history and the natural world, and his quiet devotion to the people he loved. He leaves behind a lifetime of stories, lessons, family traditions, and memories that will continue to be shared for generations. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A private Visitation will be held at Russon Mortuary, 1941 North Main Street, Farmington, Utah on Saturday, September 5, 2026.

A private graveside service will be held at Farmington City Cemetery, 500 S. 200 E., Farmington, Utah 84025, on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.