James Francis Maher Jr., the oldest son of James Francis and Nettie Josephine Hunt Maher, passed away 22 January 2006 in Logan, Utah. His parents and in-laws, Owen Findley and Mildred Maughan Bloomfield, preceded him in death.

Jim was born 20 July 1936 in Farmington, New Mexico, and lived in that vicinity until his early completion from high school. He enlisted in the U.S. Airforce and after nearly four years of active duty he was honorably discharged. He enrolled in Utah State University and married Beverly Bloomfield. After his graduation he left for a career as an aerospace engineer for NASA at Edwards, California. In 1993 he retired after 30 years of Federal Government employment.

Jim was a lifetime member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in the Mutual and Sunday School, as Branch President and Bishop, was a High Councilor and High Priest Group Leader. He earned the title of "Grandpa Sunbeam" from the first group of Sunbeams he taught in Primary. He learned the Spanish language and loved and served the people. He spent many years in the Spanish Name Extraction program. He visited Mexico many times and then in 1996-97 he served in the Spain Madrid Mission. Before and after his mission he was an officiator in the Logan Temple, and for 3 1/2 years served with the Spanish Group as well.

Jim enjoyed gardening and building things and had a great appreciation for the ocean, sky, and mountains. He received his commercial pilot's license, learned to sail and enjoyed mountain-man interests. Jim devoted many years to the scouting program. He completed Woodbadge and was tapped by the Order of the Arrow. He was a writer of many stories and poems, which he shared with his family.

Jim has been married for 46 years to Beverly. They have six children and will have twenty-six grandchildren by this summer. His wife and the following children Shawna (Wayne) Fuller, M. Juleen (Joel) Ward, Maury James (Evie) Maher, Amy (Mark) Greenwood, Laun Alan Maher and (Carolyn Maher) and Kierran Clay (Carmen) Maher, and the grandchildren morn his passing, along with relatives and many special friends.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his honor to the Perpetual Education Fund.

A viewing will be held on Friday, 27 Jan. 2006 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. and Saturday, 28 Jan. from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Hyde Park ,UT, Center Street church.. Services will be held Saturday, 28 Jan. 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at the same location as the viewings. Interment will be at the Hyde Park Cemetery with Military honors. Arrangements are under the direction of Allen-Cranney Mortuary, North Logan, Utah.

Condolences may be sent to the family and a register book signed at Allen Mortuaries.