In Jim’s 90 years of life, he accomplished much and touched the lives of many.

He was born on July 18, 1933 in Payson, Utah to George Earl Box and Sarah May Lewellen Box. At age 8, his father passed away and he and his sister, Leona, were raised by their mother. Years later, Jimmy was given a younger brother, Jay, who he loved dearly. Jimmy spent many years living in Diamond Fork Canyon working on a ranch helping his uncle Alvey.

At 17, he convinced his mother to let him join the Army and in February of 1951 he was sent to Fort Flagler, Washington for basic training; a place he called his second home. While at Fort Flagler, the military gave him the opportunity to complete his high school education where he graduated from Port Townsend High School with the class of 1951. After his training, he was assigned to the Army’s 369th Engineering Amphibious Support division. In 1953, Fort Flagler was deactivated and his unit had the honor of closing the doors. Jim was assigned to serve at camp Desert Rock in Nevada to participate in atomic bomb tests, two of which he experienced up close and personal. After Nevada, he was stationed in Germany for the last year of the WWll occupation.

Following his tour of duty, Jim met Phyllis Biggs while on a group hike to Timpanogos Cave. They were married on October 12th, 1956 and sealed in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Manti temple on February 25, 1959.

To support his young family, Jim found employment at Geneva Steel, but moved on to work at Nebo School District as a custodian. He found his place in the Payson City Police Reserves and became a patrol officer. Jim was appointed to serve as Chief of the Payson City Police Department. During his tenure as chief, Jim also drove a school bus for Nebo School District, played a key role in the establishment of the Payson City Ambulance in 1972, and became certified as an EMT.

After wrapping up his career in the Payson City Police Department, Jim continued to serve the community by accepting a position as a judge in the Payson City Court system and finally, as a senior Judge where he retired after having served the community for nearly 60 years.

Jim enjoyed fly fishing, and raising exotic birds. He loved to paint with oils and draw with charcoal. He also loved to play harmonica, guitar, banjo, and played bass and tenor drums in the Utah Pipe Band for 25 years.

His greatest and most influential role has been to his family. He was a loving husband to his sweetheart, Phyllis, for 46 years until her death in 2003. He played an active role in the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He will be fondly remembered and truly missed.

He is preceded in death by his Mother and Father, his sister, Leona Butler, his brother, Jay Box, his loving wife, Phyllis, and his Son, Kevin.

James is survived by his children Michael Box (Todd Bowcutt), Teresa Wilson (Bart), Rebecca Provstgaard (Todd), Annette Lauts (Albert), 12 grandchildren (Brett Wilson, Ryan Provstgaard, Brittany Lundell, Ausia Lauts, Jacob Provstgaard, Erika Lauts, Brandon Wilson, Blake Provstgaard, Savannah Carling, Brooklyn Christensen, Sierra Lauts, and Elijah Lauts), and 12 great grand-children.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to A-Plus Hospice for their respectful and tender care during his last days.

Please join us in celebrating his life on Sunday September 24th from 6 PM – 8 PM at the Walker Mortuary at 587 S 100 W in Payson. Additional viewing will be held Monday September 25th 9:30 ­- 10:45am. Funeral services will begin at 11AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 780 W 500 S in Payson.