1919 ~ 2014 James S. Eckels was born to Stanley and Blanche Schuette Eckels in Manitowoc, Wisconsin on July 12, 1919. He died on August 5, 2014 at the age of 95. Jim married Ellen Lea Chidsey, the daughter of T. McKeen and Ellen Chidsey in Easton, PA on April 6, 1946. Ellen preceded him in death on August 29, 2009. Jim was a graduate of Dartmouth College in the Class of 1941. He served 4 ½ years with the Army Signal Corps in Africa, England and France as a cryptographic officer during World War II, retiring as a Captain. In 1952 he was recalled to serve 1 ½ years in Newfoundland. Jim's work experience included 35 years with Western Mortgage Loan Corporation of Ogden where he was a Vice President for about half that time. He also volunteered as Treasurer of the Episcopal Diocese of Utah for over 20 years. He was an active member of the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Ogden, and after moving to Salt Lake City, he and Ellen played a key role in the founding of St. James Episcopal Church in Midvale. Jim was a tenor in the church choir for 56 years. He enjoyed skiing, sailing, cycling, camping, and fixing things - and took up roller blading when he could no longer ski. Jim was predeceased by Ellen, his parents, and his brothers, Philip, Frederic and David. He is survived by his sister, Susan Skarda of Manitowoc. Three sons survive: Thomas (Alison), Seattle, WA; Timothy (Julie), Springfield, IL; and Stanley (Carol), Julian, CA. He is also survived by five grandchildren, two step-grandchildren; and four step-great-grandchildren. He requested that his body be donated to the University of Utah for research and to help train future doctors. A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 6, 2014 at noon with receiving by the family starting at 10:30 am at St. James Episcopal Church, 7486 S. Union Park Avenue, Midvale, Utah. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. James Episcopal Church or The Road Home (services for the homeless) at theroadhome.org.

Salt Lake Tribune, The (UT) - Friday, August 8, 2014