James Dean Rasmussen was born June 19, 1931 in Provo, Utah. He was the 3rd child of 12 born to F. Blaine and Eva Jane Aiken Rasmussen. He was 94 years old when he passed away on December 1, 2025. He was recently diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and was at home under the care of Hospice and his family in Cedar City, Utah at the time of his death.
“Jim” as he was known to all of his family and many friends was a strong natural athlete, hard worker, a faithful man of God and a servant to all those around him. He was always an interested, attentive and supportive son, brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather, home teacher and neighbor. Dad attended school in Provo, Utah where he set track and field records and played football while at Provo High School. When he was 10 years old he heard the circus was coming to town. He soon realized there would be no money for a ticket. The word spread that if you came and worked to set up the tents, seating and attractions you could get into the circus for free. Even at that young age he showed up and did such a good job working not only did he get free admittance; but, also an invitation to join the circus and work for them. As tempting as that sounded to an adventurous little boy he decided against it after imagining the face of his Mother when she found out that he had run away with the circus.
Dad met our Mother, Donna Jean Ellison, at a basketball game. He would ride his bicycle from Provo to Spanish Fork to date her. After he graduated, he bought a car without telling Mom. Drove it to Spanish Fork and parked it a few blocks from Mom’s house. He went to the house and invited her on a walk in the direction of the car. When they got to the car Dad suggested it was a nice car and that they should take it for a ride. Mom protested that they would get in a lot of trouble. Dad said the keys were in it and he wanted to take her for a ride. The car episode did not dissuade her and they were married on January 3, 1951 in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple.
Jim joined the Utah National Guard where he drove truck and operated heavy equipment. He carried this experience into his life and made a career out of it. His love of trucks and heavy equipment spilled over into a hobby as well. His son, David, created a museum worthy display of his extensive scale model collection. Dad’s other hobby was target practice and shooting his guns. Which he loved to do with his children, grandchildren, siblings and friends.
After Donna’s death in 1997 he met and married Kathleen Dedrickson and made his home in Cedar City, Utah. He grew to love Cedar City very much and was so happy living close to his daughters, son and siblings. Cedar City is where he became acquainted with Charlie and Donna Cooley’s Happy Factory project. Dad always had a love of woodworking; so that, coupled with his empathy for the less fortunate and all children, The Happy Factory was a perfect fit for him. He looked forward to the 20 hours a week he spent volunteering there for over 20 years. His family is so proud of what he gave for this wonderful cause. There were also many friendships made because of The Happy Factory. He was famous for saying: “If I don’t work my shift 100 kids won’t get their car.”
Our Dad was literally a human google. He knew something about everything and loved to share his knowledge. He was thrifty and has always lived within his means. Jim was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he participated in Boy Scouts of America, held many callings and faithfully attended and served in the Temple.
He is survived by his children: Bonnie(Bob) Wischmeier, David(Hisami) Rasmussen, Debra(Dale) Morris, DeAnn(Russ) Behrmann, and Maureen(Kevin) Hunt. His siblings Byron Rasmussen, Joy Lloyd, Craig Rasmussen, Lorraine Douglass and Steven Rasmussen. His sister-in-law, Ann Tarbet. 17 grandchildren and their families, numerous beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral Services are under the direction of the Cedar Valley Funeral and Cremation and will be held on Monday, December 8, 2025 at 11:00 am with viewing beginning at 9:30 am. Held at the Cedar North Stake Center 95 N 2125 W Cedar City, Utah. A graveside service will also be held Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the Orem City Cemetery located at 150 E 1600 N Orem, Utah. Online condolences can be sent to his memorial page at cedarvalleyfuneral.com