Obituary of James Reed Chidester

The world has certainly lost a great man. James Reed Chidester passed away at home on Monday, October 3, 2016. The affects of Parkinson’s may have taken its toll on his body, but it never once touched his spirit. Reed was born in American Fork, Utah on February 8, 1945 to James Earl and Thelma Strasburg Chidester. He grew up in Highland, Utah and was a lifelong resident there. He had deep roots in the community and never had a desire to venture far from home. In 1963 he graduated from American Fork High School where he excelled in art and football. Following high school he attended Trade Tech and served in the Utah National Guard where he honed his skills as a machinist. He met Lynette Bonham and they were married in 1971. She has been his loving wife of 45 years and her dedication to him has been immeasurable. Reed was a successful business owner who taught his children the value of hard work. He was happiest in the mountains, being at his cabin, riding atv’s, and fishing with his grandkids. He enjoyed being outdoors working in the yard and in his garden. Fresh corn and that first tomato were the highlights of every summer. He coached little league baseball and football for nearly twenty years, impacting lives of hundreds of young men. Above everything else in his life, he was an amazing father and grandfather who loved his family and always showed it with his support and encouragement. He left us too soon and the world already feels different without him. We love this incredible man more than our words can express and are beyond grateful for his love and support throughout our lives. Our family would like to express our sincere thanks to Hospice For Utah, nurses, aides, and especially Sherry Killpack and Candice Hammer. As Reed and Lynette’s children, we are eternally grateful for our amazing mother who selflessly sacrificed everything, especially these past 5 months, to keep our dad at home where he wanted to be. We love you mom! Reed is survived by his wife Lynette and their 3 children: Clint (Olea), Kristina (Ken) Adams, Brian (Denise) and eleven grandchildren that he loved very, very much. He is also survived by his siblings: Leon (Irma), Richard (Susan), Dale (Debra), Robbie (Nancy), sister-in-law Kay Chidester and brother-in-law Verl Matthews. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Diane, LeeRay, Wesley, and Elaine. Friends may call Friday, October 7th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Anderson & Sons Mortuary Lone Peak Chapel, 6141 West 11000 North, Highland, UT. Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 8th at 11:00 a.m. at the Heritage Park L.D.S Chapel, 10390 North Alpine Highway, Highland, UT. There will also be a viewing that morning at the church from 9:45-10:45 a.m. Internment at the Highland City Cemetery.