Lydia

It was Saturday night, everyone was exhausted!!  Long month! I was trying to get Lydia to brush her teeth! I was pretending that Tigger on her toothbrush was talking to me! According to her, Tigger wanted her to hide her flosser! I was getting tense and just wanted it done! I kept asking, "Where is your flosser?" She got my phone off the counter and brought this picture to me to show where the flosser was! I laughed so hard!!

Red Dragons

Red Dragons last game!

Grandpa Stanton's Program

Grandpa Stanton's Funeral

Trent, John, Ben, Josh

 Evelyn, Jim, Ruth, Lloyd, Katheleen, Lora

Grandpa Stanton's Obituary

Grandpa Stanton's Obituary

James Francis Stanton Jr.

Danish Warrior Going into Battle!

James Francis Stanton Jr., 84, long- time resident of Provo, passed away in mid-sentence after declaring minutes earlier that he was a tough old bird who would get through anything.  He left us on May 20, 2014 to join his wife, Bernice, whom he missed deeply.  We are happy for his return to the God who gave him life and certain of the joy he now is experiencing.

Jim was born in Ferron Utah on March 2, 1930.  He was the first child of James Francis and Evelyn Eunice Nelson Stanton.  He took this oldest position in the family very seriously, always honoring a mandate given to him by his father to look after his siblings. His sister, Eunice, described him as the benevolent dictator, keeping his brothers and sisters in line.  Even after he left home, he continued to care for his family, watching out for his parent’s welfare and serving his siblings, by researching and purchasing needed household items such as a stove and car, by helping with school projects, and often fixing the family car after his family drove it to Provo for him to look at.

Jim’s childhood was spent in Provo, Eureka, and Park City.  In Eureka, he and his brother, Brian, were part of a boy gang who had many adventures with Jim as the leader.  There he also experimented with putting nails under people’s tires, so he could see what would happen when the cars moved.  He was disappointed to never see a tire flatten.  He had a water spaniel named Curly who was his earliest and best friend.  Ever the romantic, he was so proud that he kissed his first girl at a very young age.

As a young man in Park City, Jim was very buff and strong.  He was built like Johnny Weissmuller Tarzan and he wanted to be Tarzan.  One of his tender memories was finally being able to learn to read when he spent time at sheep camp at age 15.  This experience gave him the opportunity to read the Tarzan books and to dream big.

At age 16, he was sealed to his family in the Salt Lake Temple in a ceremony described by his sister as so sweet and so wonderful.  That afternoon, his family went to a restaurant for the very first time.  In high school, he was a football star and was part of a wonderful threesome known as The Three J’s.

As a young adult, Jim married Lois Bond and they had a son, Mark.  Jim and Mark shared many common character traits, and Jim admired Mark for the man he became and for the strength of his beautiful family.  In Mark’s later life, they were able to enjoy a friendly association.  Mark was very close to his brothers and sisters and this gave Jim great joy.

On March 19, 1955, he married Bernice Cox in Ferron.  Their marriage was later sealed on April 13, 1957 in the Los Angeles Temple.  He liked to tell us that he married Mom because she could bake bread. We know that he was head over heels for her regardless of the bread.  She healed his heart, gave structure to his life, was his dancing partner, and told him when to take his medicine. She always called him darling. Jim and Bernice had six children:  Evelyn, James III, Ruth, Lloyd, Kathleen, and Lora.

Jim served in the Air Force, worked in the mines in Park City, and spent some time farming in Missouri as a young man, but ultimately his life’s work was as an airline mechanic for United Air Lines, both in San Francisco and Salt Lake City.

Jim was a life-long supporter of the Boy Scouts of America. He lived by the Scout Law and Oath.  As scoutmaster, he took such good care of his scout boys.  His scout troop in the Provo First Ward, was one of the top troops in the LDS Church.  As a missionary, he established a scout troop in Oakland from the ground up.  He and Bernice served as cub scout leaders while service missionaries at the State Mental Hospital.  He helped countless numbers of boys attain their Eagle rank, inspired by a desire to give others an opportunity he hadn’t had.  His joy was helping boys on their journey to becoming men.  He led many scout excursions to Grand Gulch and on the Spanish Trails.  His greatest scout service was spent with his sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons. He was influential enough to see the rank of Eagle Scout awarded to his sons and all of his grandsons.  In the past few weeks, he had helped yet another great-grandson put the finishing touches on a pinewood derby car.

Jim loved working in his shop.  He made marble runs for his great grandchildren, wooden reindeer and trivets, nativity puzzles, and helped many people who came to him with their projects.  He made cabinets and many other items for his home.  When Bernice wanted something made, he made it happen.  Every year, he and Bernice would work on a joint project of Christmas presents for their family.  He loved to dry fruit, peruse D.I. and the dump, hike Indian Fort in Ferron, and go deer hunting as a family

Jim went on three missions with Bernice as his companion. They served in The California Oakland Mission and The Washington Tacoma Mission, where they worked with Cambodian refugees.  They gave their very best effort to serving the people by teaching them skills, transporting them, sharing the gospel, and never judging, only loving unconditionally.  They left a lasting impression on the people they served.  From Oakland, they brought home a daughter, Rose, who became an important part of their family.  They also served in the Illinois Nauvoo Mission where Jim worked in the Blacksmith Shop.

Jim’s church service included Bishop’s Counselor, High Councilor, ordinance worker at the Provo Temple, and his very favorite calling, Home Teacher.  He was the most dedicated Home Teacher of the Provo First Ward.  He never missed visiting his families for any reason, not vacation, not illness, not the loss of a leg.

Jim was a renaissance man who loved to paint, work with wood, and garden.  He was always curious about trying something new such as tapping maple syrup, roasting chestnuts, or growing white pumpkins.  He had a loud booming voice which sometimes scared small children.  He loved to tell stories and give advice.  He was not afraid to face any situation, but was deathly afraid of spiders.  He loved gingersnaps, Tang, and anything greasy fried.  He took his great grandchildren for rides in his putt-putt on the Fourth of July parade route and was good to read them a story, cuddled together in his jazzy.  He was a patriot.
Jim enjoyed traveling with Bernice to new places, but he most loved being home.  He was the ultimate home-body, who could never be anywhere very long without yearning for it.  He had a special love for old movies especially with a bowl of popcorn with lots of salt and butter.  He was even happier if he could share the experience with someone else, especially if that person was patient enough to listen to commentary about the movie.

Jim was a champion of the under-dog.  He had a gift for sharing with those less fortunate.  He gave rides to hitch-hikers, room and board to many of those hitch-hikers, and room and board to people from such far-away places as South Africa, Cambodia, Korea, and South Carolina.  He once came home without his shoes because he had given them to someone in need.  He never understood the dangers of trusting too freely, in this regard he was certainly watched over by heaven.

Jim passed on many important things to his family including his deep set eyes, his singing voice, and his proud Danish heritage.  His childhood songs became his family’s childhood songs and the artistic leanings that he received from his mother were passed down too.  He gave his family his love of Park City by taking his grandkids on excursions to the mine dumps and to look for arrowheads, to watch mucking contests, for a tour of the old jail, to hike, and to swim there. One of the most distinguishing Stanton characteristics that is pervasive throughout the family was his ability to constantly and instantly make new friends. Even when bedridden during recovery, new friends were found in insurance agents and health care professionals over the phone.  He gave his family a portion of his toughness, but his tenderness he gave them full measure evidenced in his ability to tell others of his love and the propensity to spring forth into tears when touched.  He gave his family a legacy of deliberate gospel service.

Jim had a high threshold for pain.  Once while he was changing a tire, his fingers became stuck in between the tire rim and the tire.  He had his son run over his hand in order to release his fingers.  This tolerance for pain was supremely tested in his last few years.  His greatest pain was seeing Bernice go through the throes of cancer, only to lose her two years ago.  Additionally, he endured a bad fall which resulted in the loss of his leg and subsequent loss of independence and mobility.  Recently, he endured three open heart surgeries with a challenging road to recovery. During these experiences, he showed his family what it is to be grateful, how strength defines a man, and an independent fighting spirit.  Wheeled into his first heart surgery, looking back at us, he raised his fist in triumph, “Danish warrior going into battle!”

Jim is survived by his children, Evelyn M. Becker, James III (Shawna) Stanton, Ruth (John) McAtee, Lloyd (Tamara) Stanton, Kathleen Foote, Lora (John) Lund, Claudia MacNaughtan, and Rose (Matthew) Badell.  He is also survived by his 31 grandchildren: Benjamin, Danylle, Joshua, Brittny, Chelsea, Jocelyn, Sarah, Amber, Aaron, Joshua, Daniel, Joseph, Ryan, Trent, Kimberly, Jaren, Kyle, Rebecca, Rachel, Katherine, Stephanie, Camilla, John, Solana, Celeste, Kirk, Tina, Kimberly, Jasmine, Mordecai, and Talia.  He has 57 great grandchildren.  He is also survived by his sisters, Eunice (Jim), Francis (Mike), Janet (Daryl), and Virginia (Jim).

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice, his parents, brothers, Brian and Robert Stanton, his son, Mark MacNaughtan, his son-in-law, Dean Foote, and 4 great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Dr. John Mitchell for his superior care of our father and the Cox family brothers and sisters, Glen, Harold, Max, Emma, Dora, and Phillip who have nurtured and looked after our father in the absence of our mother.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 31, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at the Provo First Ward Chapel, 100 East 200 South, Provo.  A viewing will be held prior to services from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Provo First Ward Cultural Hall.  Additionally, a viewing will be held the night before, Friday, May 30, from 6:00- 8:00 p.m. at the Walker Tribute Center, 85 East 300 South, Provo.  Internment will be in the Provo City Cemetery with military rites.

Memories of Grandpa Stanton

MEMORIES OF GRANDPA (as collected and told by James F. Stanton, III) at James F. Stanton, Jr.' s funeral:

Benjamin
Grandpa taught me how to work and I worked beside him. He taught me about sports, how to fight, how to hunt, wood working in his shop, about the birds and the bees, how to shave, to be respectful to my mom, sisters and other women and a love of God and his son Jesus Christ. He counseled me about my studies and finances. 

Danylle
Every time we came to visit, Grandpa would pull out Brigadoon because it was my favorite movie and we would pop popcorn and watch it together. When I was about 9 years old he gave me my very own copy. When I was in nursing school I interviewed Grandpa for a paper on Geriatrics. I got an A on the paper and my instructor wrote in the margins that she was laughing out loud at the answers Grandpa had given and how honest they were. I love the way my Grandpa was with my children. They love him so much.

Joshua Becker
A hundred memories, it is hard to pick one. The most lasting memory I have of Grandpa is when I was little and we were spending a holiday at his house and he and I were in the front yard and a man walked by with a backpack on. Grandpa invited the man into the house and fed him and visited with him before he went on his way. No matter what they were doing grandma and grandpa stopped and visited when I showed up. They fed me, listened to me, and loved me. Their example taught me that family is the central and most important thing.

Brittny
I always trusted my grandpa. He took me on daddy daughter dates, gave me blessings and took me to park city to stay in the condo. He encouraged me to be my best and develop my talents. He taught me to paint and to face my fears and struggles especially with dyslexia. Grandpa was the one who baptized me. I loved grandpa's big arms and how they always made me feel so safe. I had great joy when he told me he liked my husband and that he was from good stock.

Chelsea
I can’t put a lifetime of memories into a line or two. There are so many, going to Park City and stopping to watch the planes glide, or to see the buffalo. Going to Ferron and having Grandpa take me out shooting, or to the top of Indian Fort. Riding in the back of the truck to the reservoir, or picking asparagus out of a ditch to make for dinner. Grandpa, always giving me fathers blessings, and getting upset with me if I thought I wasn't smart. Laughter, togetherness, stories...Lots of stories. But most of all LOVE. Every time I was getting ready to leave, Grandpa would always say. "You are my greatest blessings!" So in one line, my favorite memory of Grandpa is LOVE.

Jocelyn
Punch you in the nose tickle you in the belly. Awesome hugs and kisses Only 10 cherries or you'll get sick Asking every time he saw me when I was pregnant with Declan, how I was feeling, and saying; I am praying for you and that sweet baby everyday. Priesthood blessings at the beginning of every school year. Every time I cut his hair he would say, "you know the difference between a good haircut and a bad one...2 weeks

Sarah
My best memories of grandpa is the way he loved grandma. There was never a doubt in my mind grandma was his whole world, and their marriage is the best example to me. Then seeing grandpa's strength, testimony and positive attitude after grandma died, just showed me what an amazing man my grandpa is.

Amber
One of my favorite memories I showing grandpa my pretty painted toenails and him telling me that they were not pretty and only the so called "whores" in Park city painted their toe nails when he was growing up. I loved his talks that we had and all the good advice that he would give.

Aaron
Terra and I were visiting Grandma and Grandpa and John was telling us a story of a first date he had. He said that he picked up the girl and went and got scones. Grandpa then asked, "did I hear you correctly? You went and got stoned?" We all had a good laugh. That is one of my favorite memories of grandpa.

Joshua McAtee
I caught my first fish with grandpa. He told us stories like when he was a miner and about the glass sacrament cups he had. He showed us his miner hat and many other treasures of his past and told us about them and why they were important to him.

Daniel McAtee
Building two of my pinewood derby cars - Going fishing at the little pond up Spanish Fork Canyon - Him telling me about his mining experiences at Park City - going home teaching with him - going to the doctor to get his new leg and seeing him walk on it without any help - Taking him up to Park City and going to his old house on Woodside - Taking him to his family reunion out past Strawberry and to the family reunion at Park City

Joseph
Leafing through Grandpa's movie book to find the perfect classic film, eating prunes and dried apples, listening to Grandpa give the back story on the actors and actresses in the movies.

Ryan
Going to BYU games with grandpa when I was a little boy and spending the night at the house. Once I wanted to cheer for the other team - Grandpa told me not to. Onion sandwiches, pickled pigs feed, and peppered eggs that put hair on your chest. Grandpas'' talks about how proud he is of his grand kids. His expressions of love.

Trent
Some of the memories about Grandpa would be he always built us wood boats during the summer to float down the ditch, hunting for rocks around Ferron and spending time in Park city with Grandpa looking for rocks and golf balls.

Kimberly
Once when we were playing hide and seek, someone (I think it was Jaren) knocked over one of Grandpa's stone lions and it broke. Grandpa loved those lions and we were petrified to tell him what had happened. But instead of getting mad, he just gave us hugs and told us that he loved us more than the lions. He glued it back together later and that lion has always reminded me of how much Grandpa loved his grandkids.

Jaren
Grandpa was always making us grand-kids toys. In the summer it was wooden boats to play with in the ditch he would help us dam up. Later, in the fall when the chestnuts fell, we would collect them and grandpa would drill a hole in each one so we could make chestnut necklaces.

Kyle
Over the past few years I would go to grandpa's house between work and school and we would talk about life and he would tell me stories. One of the things he would always say is the six points you should agree on with someone you marry. The last time I saw Grandpa was the Sunday before he died and he again told me about the six points of marriage and I think they are all true. He also told me several stories. I always loved hearing his stories even if they were repetitive.

Rebecca
When I was in high school grandpa and I would have high kick contests and grandpa would usually beat me by kicking the top of his front door post. I was always amazed by his agility and determination.

Rachael
One of my favorite memories of Grandpa is when we went hiking down near Ferron and looked for Indian pottery. He inspired my love of history. I also loved watching him work in his workshop and racing the little wooden boats in the ditch.

Kathryn
One of my dearest memories of Grandpa Stanton is watching him paint. I remember him setting up his easel while camping and working on his most current project. When I got older, whenever I would stop by to visit he would always make sure I was working on my drawing and painting. I always loved that I had his support and encouragement.

Stephanie
Once when I got hurt, Grandpa held me on his lap and sang the "Doggy in the Window" song to comfort me. I also remember him telling me more than once that if I ate the skin from the baked potato, I would grow hair on my chest... As though that would be a good thing! 

Cami
One of my good friends once told me that Grandpa was an "American Classic" and that they don't make them like that anymore. Grandpa and I have always shared a love of history and archaeology. I loved talking to him about his collection of archaeological finds. Before I graduated from college Sunnie and I went with grandpa and grandma on a road trip down to hole in the wall. One of the stops we made was to an old Anasazi Indian site and walked around the little museum there. It was great trip and I enjoyed spending time with him. I also loved our movie nights and his wealth of knowledge for the classics. Grandpa's ability to actually live his testimony will always be with me. In fact the last time that I saw grandpa there are two things that I will remember: one was that he demanded a hug and he told me he loved me, two was that he was really excited to Go to church and pay his tithing. His example will forever influence my life

John T. Lund
I will miss working with grandpa in his shop and going to him for advice on whatever creative projects I'm working on. And watching old movies with grandpa will always be a favorite that I will cherish.

Sunnie
When I first moved to Utah for college I was excited about all the opportunities I would have to spend time with my extended family. However, I’ll admit I was a little intimidated. While I knew all of these cousins, aunts and uncles, second cousins, great aunts, friends adopted into the family and so on, I didn't really know them. At one of my first family gatherings, I found myself standing in a corner not quite sure where to go. I spotted Grandpa sitting on a couch and made a beeline for him. For the next hour or so, we talked about our favorite war movies, laughed at our own jokes and he would answer all my whispered inquiries about who was who. While I eventually found my voice in our family, I will forever be grateful for Grandpa’s ever welcoming presence. He was my pillar, my constant as he has been for so many of us. I always knew there was a seat on his couch and a place in his heart just for me.

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

YEAH!!!!!

Love Love Love these cuties!!!!

Trent is 11

Trent's birthday and the last day of school!!  Birthday blanket!!  This cute kid has been so excited for his birthday!!  

We had French Toast! Then Josh and I ran the kids to school together!  Ben drove up just as we were leaving! (Ben and Josh were going to Spanish Fork to dress Grandpa!) On the way to school we ran by the Driggs to do a few back flips on their tramp!!  (our tramp:-)

I wish I had taken more pictures!!!  I picked up the kids at 9:30am, actually 9:35 because we got caught at Smiths by Michelle Armstrong! We gathered our swim stuff and took off at 10am, just as the cement truck arrived! Sonny and Will were pouring our approach and parking pad!  We picked up Bailey, Drew and Josh and headed to the Reese's!  Grandma Gayle got Wienerschnitzel for lunch! The Simmons came with Claudia! Grandma Gayle met Dad by the freeway around 1 to pick up McKinnon! The kids had a ball!! 

We left at 3:20 and had planned to eat at the Olive Garden at 4! The wait was over an hour and half! Trent chose Cafe Rio instead! I was texting all the Grandparents and my phone was about to die and I did not have a charger! We made it 4:30 (Dad had a late meeting) and raced home to grab clothes for the viewing! I threw on a skirt and we headed to Cafe Rio! (Grandma Gayle had Lydia and Grant!) Lydia fell asleep as soon as she got into Grandma's car! 

Grandpa Eric, Grandma Laura, Grandma Gayle, Grandpa John and Grant

McKinnon, Trent, Blake, John, Mikaylee, Chase, Hadley

We got to have Ben and Beckee!!  They were with Evelyn and heading to the viewing after as well!!  

Josh, sleeping Lyd, Ben, Beckee, Grandma Evelyn

We all drove to Provo, attended the viewing, practiced our songs at the church and headed home!!  

We had ice cream, oreos, bananas, and strawberries and potato chips dipped in chocolate!!  

We took John and Mikaylee in our car!!   Grandma Evelyn, Chelsea, Ben, Beckee, Hadley and Chase came a bit later!  Chelsea did all the melting and dipping for me!!  We started the Lego movie then everyone left except John!!  Again, wish I had more pictures!!!!  The boys worked on some Lego's, finished the movie and went to bed!!  (Our kids were exhausted, which would really show the next day at the funeral!)

Sweet Trent was so excited about his gifts and MONEY!!  Good crazy day!!!  We are so grateful to have him!!!   

Birthday Buddies

A little celebrating with Brysen, Trent's Birthday Buddy!

Blake's Hawaiian Party

Blake enjoyed his end of year party! He took 1st place in the limbo! He won a water gun and bubbles! I did the smoothie station! It was a hit, but stressful at home when my Vita-mix kept stopping!  

 We love Mrs. Calton!

Blake's Grass

Lydia's Pre-school Year

I love that Tanya gives us a CD of the whole year! It is so fun to see Lydia working and playing at school! (Seeing her grow makes me want to cry!)  Here are a few: