James Howard Westover

James Howard Westover, 87, of Gilbert, Arizona, died peacefully on April 20, 2026.

James (Jim) was born July 13, 1938, in Provo, Utah, to Charles Nello Westover and Jacquita Johnson Westover. He graduated from Provo High School and from Brigham Young University with a five-year degree in Electrical Engineering. He married his high school sweetheart, Madeline Sumsion, on May 5, 1961, in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After Madeline’s passing on June 13, 1998, he married Rita Mae Williams on June 1, 2002.

Jim was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was deeply influenced by his parents, teachers, and leaders in developing his love for and commitment to his Savior, Jesus Christ. He served faithfully throughout his life, including as a missionary in the Western Canada Mission as a young man and later with Rita in the Oregon Eugene Mission. He also served as bishop of the Glendale 7th Ward, stake president of the Glendale Arizona Stake, and as a counselor in the Arizona Phoenix Mission. He served in many other capacities but would want most to be remembered as someone who loved the gospel of Jesus Christ and loved serving God and his neighbor—especially his family.

Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, son, and friend.

He had a distinguished career spanning 40 years with General Electric, Honeywell, and Viking Labs, retiring in 2003.

He was known for his kindness, his love of the outdoors—especially fishing and the Grand Canyon—and for cheering on and celebrating the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his three daughters: Shelley (Del) Stapley, Kristine (Dee) Burton, and Shauna (Scott) Brown; two sons: Kevin (Karen) Westover and Brian (Carmen) Westover; 15 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and three sisters: Kaye Jeffery, Carole Clarke, and Lynnae Klishko.

He was preceded in death by his eternal companion, Madeline Sumsion; his wife, Rita Mae Williams; his parents, Charles Nello Westover and Jacquita Johnson Westover; his sister, Sharee Sorensen; and his brother, Robert Nello Westover.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel at 21320 South Greenfield Road in Gilbert, Arizona. A visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m. immediately before the services. Interment will be at Resthaven Park Cemetery in Glendale, Arizona.

His family is grateful for the love and care shown to him in his final days. He will be deeply missed and joyfully remembered. His family will honor him by striving to live in faith as disciples of Jesus Christ, whom he faithfully followed.