James R. Matsumori

My wonderful mortal journey came to an end on Dec. 8, 2015. It began in Salt Lake City on Mar. 28, 1951 when I was born to Minoru Jim and Mary Iwata Matsumori, my goodly parents. Sandwiched between sisters Shirley Mills (husband Richard) and Carol, I enjoyed the privileges afforded to an only son in a Japanese American family. Many of my life's philosophies were forged on the anvil of work on our family farm where my parents created a rich learning environment and taught by example. I learned the importance of integrity, that hard work is a blessing, and the law of the harvest. I was also mentored every summer by my two older cousins, who I considered among the most intelligent people I'd ever met (and still do).
As a young man I was called to serve a mission in Japan where I struggled to master my ancestral language and consequently the Japanese people's initial impression was that I was mentally challenged. But it was there that I learned that I could do hard things and that obedience brings blessings and strict obedience brings miracles. Following my mission I somehow convinced Vicki Aileen Fujii to marry me – the smartest and luckiest thing that I ever did. Together with my eternal companion, we raised our children, Jessica, Dustin (wife Bethany, children Lily and Isaac), and Kathryn Hogan (husband Luke, daughter Emi) among the wonderful people in Murray. My greatest comfort and joy is knowing that they, their spouses and my grandchildren all walk in truth.
Investment banking was my chosen profession and I loved going to work every day. I was blessed to associate with accomplished partners and a clientele of dedicated public officials, many of whom I consider my choicest friends.
I have been privileged to have served in a number and variety of community councils and volunteer organizations. Callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have also enriched my life. I was privileged to have served as a home teacher, stake president, regional welfare specialist and member of the Church Audit Committee. The calling of temple president was extended and accepted, however a subsequent diagnosis of cancer excused me from that opportunity. As president of the Washington DC North Mission, I had the privilege to work shoulder to shoulder with 500 of the finest missionaries in the world, all of whom I love dearly.
Heartfelt thanks for the influence you've been to me and my family. I'm now off looking for mountains to climb, lakes to fish and people to serve. Onward and upward.
The family sends special thanks to Dr. Greg Litton and the wonderful staff at Utah Cancer Specialists for their work with Dad the past 18 months and Intermountain Homecare and Hospice for the loving care they provided his last 48 hours.
A viewing will be held Sun, Dec. 13 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM and Mon. morning from 9:00 – 10:30 AM prior to the funeral services at 11:00 AM—all at the Murray South Stake Center (5735 S. Fashion Blvd, Murray). Interment: Murray City Cemetery.
Online guestbook and condolences at www.jenkins-soffe.com

Funeral Home:
Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary-Murray
4760 South State Street
Murray, UT