Jim Penfield

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Jimmy Clayborn Penfield, age 90, of Neola, died on Monday, December 22, 2025, at his home. According to his wife, Gwen, Jim was the finest man she ever knew and the perfect man for her.

He was born October 17, 1935, in Roosevelt, to Vera Inez Kinslow and Verdon Elwood Penfield. Jim grew up with his brother and three sisters on a farm north of Roosevelt. He milked cows, fed pigs, worked in the garden, and rode his horse all over the hills of Crescent. He treasured the association with the Dye family on top of the hill. He looked at Garold Dye as his big brother. He attended schools in Roosevelt, California, and graduated high school from Union High in 1954.

Jim joined the Air Force in 1955, at the end of the Korean War, and served in Germany for three years. After his service ended, he worked at several jobs in Utah and Nevada. He eventually returned to the Basin when he met the love of his life. He married Gwendelyn Mathisen on March 17, 1962, in the Myton Chapel in Myton, Utah. They were later sealed in the Provo Temple. They raised five children and lived in Utah and California before settling in Neola. They have lived there for the last 53 years.

Jim worked hard. He loved trucking and owned several different trucks. He really enjoyed long distance hauling but he gave up the road because he loved his family more. He then did local work with dump trucks, backhoes, and loaders. He had a passion for fishing and hunting, and took the family to the Uintah Canyon often.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loved his Savior, Jesus Christ. Jim served in various positions in the Neola Ward, and he enjoyed serving with Gwen as ordinance workers in the Vernal Temple.

He loved his wife and family and would do anything for them.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Gwen, of Neola; his children, Lisa Penfield, Ogden; Suzanne (Shannon) Rhoades, Vernal; Karen (Jeff) Burton, Mountain Green, Utah; Michelle (Patrick) Smith, Heath, Texas; James (Emilyn Hullinger) Penfield, Eagle River, Alaska; 22 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren; a sister, Genevie Pierson; sisters-in-law, Virginia Hall, Blondell Bingham, Judy Mathisen; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Robert (Helen) Penfield; sisters, Arita (Melvin) Evans, Shirley (Jack) Heeb; parents-in-law, Chester & Esther Mathisen; brothers- and sisters- in law, Dick Pierson, Doyle Bingham, Willard Mathisen, Wendell Mathisen, Marva Mathisen, Irvin Hadden, Ivan Hall, and Bryce Wamsley.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 12:00 noon at the Neola Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There will be a viewing from 10:30-11:45 a.m. prior to the services.

Burial will be in the Neola Cemetery with military honors presented.