James Lee Pearson

James Lee Pearson, age 70, passed away peacefully at his home in Provo, Utah holding the hand of his loving wife.

Jimmy was born January 2, 1943 to Milton and Eleanor Lee Pearson in American Fork, Utah. His parents divorced and he was raised by his step-father, John Williamson. Jimmy attended school in Pleasant Grove and American Fork. In his younger years his greatest memory was sitting in front of his Grandma Lee’s radio. Jimmy loved to golf. He went to work for pro golfer and designer, Billy Casper and built the Spanish Oaks Golf Course. That career took the family to several states: Georgia, Washington, California and a few in between then back to Utah.

Jimmy was married and later divorced. He then married his true love, Muffy Kougioulis. Between them there were seven children. He went to work at East Bay Golf Course then to Gladstan in Payson before going to work at the city shops in Payson. He loved working on vehicles and enjoyed working for Larry King. He often said, “I love working for Larry because he never makes me work.” Larry said, “I can’t get him to work!” Jimmy could build anything. He built several pieces of furniture for friends and loved ones throughout the years. But his greatest talent was restoring old cars with his wife beside him. He turned great junkers into great works of art winning several awards at car shows. When asked, “How do you do that?” He would say, “I drink up a vision” (while holding up a bottle of Budweiser!) He loved fishing, camping, hunting and golfing, but when cancer came knocking at his door, those things came to an end.

He loved working in the yard with his wife-they were always together-whether it was planting flowers or in the house watching golf. No matter where you saw them they were holding hands and saying, “I love you the mostest”; they had a special bond. Their love for one another could not be broken. For the past seven years they raised their grandson, Farmer, a name given to him by Jimmy when he was two months old. Their morning and night ritual was, “You’re my best buddy” and then see who could say it the loudest and the silliest. Alex and Raylynn spent a lot of their younger years at grandpa’s house learning to build a fish pond and a fire pit. Jimmy taught Alex how to play pool. Alex won lots of Friday night pool parties at grandpa’s home. He had a deep love and respect for both of them.

Jimmy is survived by his wife, Muffy, sons: Bruce (Avis) Pearson, Jimmy Pearson, Brent Pearson and Jack (Christie) Truex; daughters: Cheyenne Pearson and Jennifer (Albert) Gray; 25 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren with one on the way. He is also survived by siblings: Mike (Gina) Pearson, Chris (Carolyn) Williamson, Joy Karner, Maryann (Clinton) Crockett, John Williamson, Ellie (Marvin) Christenson, Susie Park and Emalee (Marc) Scott. He is preceded in death by his parents, step-father, brothers, Bob and Ned; son, Ray "Bug" Pearson; grandson, Cory Pearson; and father and mother-in-law, James and Marie Kougioulis.

Jimmy, you will be forever in our hearts.

The family wishes to thank Hearts for Hospice in American Fork: Jennifer, Marty and Bryce, and everyone at Dr. Blair and Dr. Platt’s offices.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 7, 2013 at the Berg Drawing Room Chapel, 185 East Center Street, Provo, Utah. Friends may call from 9-10:50 a.m. prior to services. Interment, Provo City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent at www.bergmortuary.com.