James (Jim) John DeBry, Jr. Obituary (1939 - 2019)

Jim DeBry passed away peacefully of natural causes at his home in Holladay, Utah, on June 18, 2019, at the age of 80. He was born on June 8,1939 in Salt Lake City to Ruby Robison DeBry and James John DeBry, Sr. He was a devoted father and husband and loved nothing more than to be surrounded by his family. Jim studied at the University of Utah, graduating with a B.A. in history in 1965. After an early career at Standard Oil and Merrill Lynch, he went on to run the DeBry Companies, a successful wholesale distribution corporation, until his retirement in 2014. His business was his life’s work, and he was well known for his dedication to his staff, his honesty and his work ethic. He traveled extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and the U.S. during his lifetime, often returning with new products or business ideas. He loved to make everything in life fun and exciting, often gathering the extended family at his home for basketball tournaments and picnic lunches in his backyard looking up at Mount Olympus. He was extremely proud of all his children, encouraging them in everything they did and celebrating their accomplishments. He had a generous heart and was always willing to encourage education and business opportunities among his children, nephews, and nieces, often times with advice and assistance. All felt his unconditional interest and love. Jim is survived by his wife, Thipsuda, and their four children: Mike, Danny, Jessie, and Frank; his two children with his former wife , Elisabeth: Jon (Sandra) and Kristine (Sin-Oh); his grandchildren: Eric, Peter, Eli, Elizabeth Lucy, Mitchell, and Miles; and his siblings: Paul, Mark, and Mary. He was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia. A funeral service will be held on Monday July 1, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Home, 4760 South State Street, Murray, Utah, with viewings on Sunday, June 30, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and on Monday from 10:00-10:45 a.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, please celebrate his life with a contribution to Ability Found, where Jim served on the Board of Directors. http://www.abilityfound.org/donate/ .