Arthur Faulkner

Arthur James Faulkner

Arthur James Faulkner (Big Jim) passed away at his home in Bountiful on April 28, 2016 at the age of 91. His wife, Arta Mae, was there with him.

Jim was born October 13, 1924 in Brantford, Ontario Canada to Edgar Reid & Jane Elizabeth Faulkner. He was the 2nd of 6 children. He grew up in Alliance, Ohio where he was a star athlete and lettered in football, baseball, basketball, and track all 4 years. After graduation he was drafted into the US Army, 97th Infantry in WWII. He stormed the beach at Normandy on D-Day and served through Europe until the end of the war and was then sent to Japan 6 days after Hiroshima, serving as a Prefect Director during the occupation. He is a highly decorated Veteran and has received the Kentucky Colonel commendation for Valor in Battle and 3 purple hearts. As Platoon Sergeant of Company B, his platoon is credited with firing the last shot of WWII on May 7, 1945 near Pilsen, Czechoslovakia. He dedicated the “Last Shot Monument” Oct. 12, 2000 at Fort Benning, GA.

After the war he attended Michigan State on a full athletic scholarship where he again excelled in all 4 sports. After graduating in Industrial Journalism he had a short professional baseball career with the Red Sox organization until he broke his arm. He then played professional football for the Cleveland Browns and the Edmonton Eskimos for several years.

His life included drilling oil wells throughout the world as a Petroleum Engineer, screen writing Hollywood TV shows and movies, editing a sports paper, and many years teaching at numerous high schools and colleges across the US., including BYU, UVU, SLCC, and Stanford. He especially loved teaching English, writing, and Seminary. He was a gifted speaker and author. He wrote several books, the most recent one published when he was 90.

In 1966, his car broke down in Salt Lake City. He ended up joining a tour at Temple Square. Shortly after, he joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and has remained in Bountiful ever since.

Jim married Arta Mae Bagley on Sept. 1, 1967 in the Salt Lake Temple. He leaves behind his wife of 48 years, Arta Mae, one daughter, Anjeanette (Kyle) Williams, and 7 grandchildren. Harrison, Karley (Jack) Richins, Allie, Porter, Reilly, Luke, and Stormy. Also survived by a sister, June Bell, a brother, Jerry (Phyllis) and sister-in-law Elizabeth Faulkner.  He is a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend.  Preceded in death by his parents and three brothers Tom, Bob and Pat.

Everyone considered him their best friend because of the way he treated others. He endured many years of pain in silence without ever complaining. He was an eternal optimist and always focused on a positive outcome for every circumstance. He put God first and others before himself. He was always courageous and never faltered. He said that his goodness and attitude comes from living the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Funeral services will be at 12:00 pm, Saturday, May 7, 2016 at the Bountiful 34th Ward Chapel, 540 North 1200 East. Friends may visit family Fri. May 6th from 6-8 pm at Lindquist’s Bountiful Mortuary, 727 N. 400 E. and from 10:30-11:30 am Sat. at the Church prior to services.  Interment Lakeview Memorial Cemetery, Bountiful, Utah.