Jeannine Shurtliff James

Jeannine Shurtliff James was born May 27, 1929 in Ogden, Utah to Ervin and Della Shaw Shurtliff and was reunited with them after a peaceful passing on June 23, 2022.  Jeannie grew up in the distinctive family home her father built on Washington Blvd. and was able to keep it in the family all of her life.  Her two older sisters, Ruth and Marilyn, doted on her and were especially attentive when she suffered with rheumatic fever.  The three sisters remained close throughout their entire lives and would get together at their childhood home for Wednesday lunches on a regular basis.  As a child, she enjoyed visiting her father in the projectionist booth at the Egyptian Theater as he literally brought the movies to life on the silver screen.  Her first job was at Pillsbury Mills in Ogden where she was a member of their bowling team.  She was a member of La Dianaeda Sorority at Weber State College and sang in the chorus of Ogden’s All Faces West Pageant. 

On August 6th,1959 she married Harry G. James Jr. in the Logan Temple.  She chose a pink wedding gown for their reception which perfectly fit her petite frame and delicate features.  She was more beautiful than the lovely Madame Alexander dolls she collected and appreciated throughout her life.  When they married, Harry loved Jeannie enough to give up a prestigious job working for Howard Hughes, and Jeannie loved Harry so much that she left her beloved home and family to move to L.A. where they started their family and made many wonderful friends and memories in the Wilshire Ward. 

Jeannie was a devoted mother and delighted in serving her children.  Jennifer, Jeff, and Jeremy were blessed with a mother that cherished them and took great interest in all they did.  As grandchildren came along, she proved to be as devoted to them as she had been to her own children and had a special bond with each of them.  Great-grandchildren added even more enjoyment to her life as a grandma. 

Throughout her life, Jeannie held many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but her favorite by far was the nearly twenty years she spent as the Primary Secretary in her ward.  She delighted in being with the children, singing Primary songs and creating beautiful bulletin boards.  She has an especially powerful testimony of the eternal nature of families, and the knowledge that she would be reunited with those who meant the most to her was always in her heart.   

Her ability to make things special was unparalleled thanks to her attention to detail and eye for beauty.  Every gift she ever gave was elegantly wrapped in a way that it seemed a shame to open it.  She shared her talent with many in Ogden when she worked at the gift wrapping counter in Weinstock’s.  Many people would bring their items to her specifically, knowing she would make them look incredible.  The personal touches she added to everything she did could make the mundane seem miraculous.  Her skills as a seamstress were remarkable and she blessed many with her creations.  Jeannie appreciated and personified all things feminine.  When we see things that are pink, pretty, petite, frilly, floral, fancy, dainty, darling or delicate we will think of her. 

Jeannie is survived by her daughter Jennifer James and sons Jeff James and Jeremy (Coundy) James.  Her grandchildren Adam (Kirstan) Eberle, Matthew (Michelle) Eberle, Christopher Davis, Shaila (Tory) Currier, Shaden (Vicky) Braegger, and Eric Braegger were all very important to her and she loved hearing about what was happening with them and their children.  In more recent years she was blessed with nine great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents Ervin and Della, sisters Ruth Goddard and Marilyn Woods, husband Harry, a grandson Daniel Eberle and a great-grandson Daxton Eberle.                     

A special thanks to nurse Robin Alberts and Dr. Fenton for their tender care during her final months.

Services will be held at 11 am, Thursday, June 30th at Lorin Farr 3rd Ward, 1570 E 1300 S, Ogden. With a viewing prior from 9:30-10:45 am. Interment Evergreen Memorial Park. Arrangements entrusted to Myers Mortuary of Ogden.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.myers-mortuary.com

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