James “Jim” Paul Blaser

James Paul Blaser
James Paul Blaser was born in Wells, Nevada, March 13, 1945. He passed away Tuesday, October 30th, at the age of 73. We won’t mince words: Jim was a resilient mother f*****. He rarely – if ever – spoke of it, but Jim was a Vietnam vet. The hearing loss in his left ear was a direct result of his service.
Jim married Gloria in 1982 and became another father-figure to her three children, Shelley, Brett, and Mandy. (He even taught them how to drive – but this is not the time or place to elaborate on those tales of terror. See Shelley for more info.) Eventually he gained the title of “fun grandpa” to their children, Kevin, Jeremy, Maddie, Mason, Brie, and James. Jim’s patience and love was endless, and he was never one to shy away from indulging his grandkids. In fact, it was not uncommon for him to take them on a trip to the DI or the dollar store and walk out with a multitude of treasures – a new dress, a new toy, you name it. He was game for rough-housing, which resulted in grandkids jumping on his belly like a trampoline.
On his favorite kind of day, one might find Jim out fishing. He loved to take the grandkids (those who could handle the worms, anyway). He also harbored a special love for taking the fun bus to Wendover; everyone looked forward to giving him their “bet orders.” He enjoyed a tasty lobster dinner – Joe’s Crab Shack was fine, but Brett’s epic lobster feasts were top of the list. Jim cheered for the Red Sox and demonstrated his love through his collection of shirts, hats, socks, and enthusiasm! His family is happy he was able to witness the Red Sox 2018 World Series win this week, right before his passing.
Jim could never go a day without reading the paper and working the puzzles. It was not uncommon to find him sitting in his armchair doing just that – or else sleeping through old westerns playing loudly on TV. He was the master of sudoku. At one point, he could solve the Rubix cube (pre-Internet and without peeling off the stickers!). He relished a good Tom Clancy novel. He was sharp.
Jim beat multiple myeloma – a rare form of blood cancer – but unfortunately his kidneys were not so fortunate and refrained from cooperating following the effects of his treatment. He was on dialysis for five years, visiting the facility three times a week for hours on end. He endured countless pokes and prods, as well as a number of trips to the hospital for various complications. His family finds great comfort in the fact that he doesn’t have to deal with that s*it anymore.
Jim is survived by his wife Gloria; his siblings, Richard Blaser (Mary Lou), Clay Fitch (Lori), and Vicki Fitch; his children, Shelley Haslam (Mike Israel), Brett Hayes, Amanda Manzanares (Darrin), Cindy Hayes; 6 grandkids with a few spouses and partners; and 4 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and beloved dog, Maggie. His family is so very proud to have called him “husband,” “Jim,” but especially “Grandpa.” We’ll miss him and his smile terribly.
A viewing will take place November 2, 2018 at 6:00 PM at Memorial Redwood Mortuary, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, UT, 84123. Another viewing will take place at 10:00 AM November 3, 2018, also at Memorial Redwood Mortuary with funeral services taking place at 11:00 AM. Interment to take place at the same location following funeral services.
Service Information
Viewing November 2, 2018 at 6:00 PM
6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah





Viewing November 3, 2018 at 10:00 AM
6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah





Funeral Service
November 3, 2018 at 11:00 AM
6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah