James H. Armstrong

James Heltzel Armstrong, age 84, died on April 14, 2016 in American Fork, Utah. He passed at home surrounded by his family after a hard-fought battle with Alzheimer’s disease, COPD, and mortality.

Jim was born in Durbin, West Virginia on May 8, 1931, to Dice Samuel and Nina Coral Heltzel Armstrong, the first of their seven children.

His earliest childhood memories centered around his big, extended family and life on their thriving farm in the mountains of Virginia and West Virginia. He never stopped calling Doe Hill, Virginia “home”, and always considered himself a West Virginia boy. He was kept busy working around the farm, taking care of the animals, and especially loved listening to stories from Aunt Leah.

His education began in a one-room schoolhouse in Doe Hill. Even at a young age, Jim was an exceptional student who thrived on learning, causing his father to dub him “the darndest brain-picker he ever knew”. In 1948, he graduated from Franklin High School in Franklin, West Virginia.

Upon graduation at only 17 years old, Jim joined the Navy. Because he was color blind, few jobs were available to him. Jim became a Radarman and was assigned to the USS Salem. He served his country honorably from 1948-1951.

In 1951, Jim married Georgie V. Snyder, and together they had four children. They later divorced.

In October 1953, Jim joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was one of the first of many members of his family to join the Church and move out West. Jim faithfully served in many callings throughout his life. He went above and beyond in every assignment. He avidly studied the scriptures and enjoyed teaching gospel principles to others. He was deeply grateful for the Atonement, and was always proud of his membership in the Church.

After serving his country, and a year of digging in the caliche of Utah for $1 an hour, Jim realized “the need for higher education” and enrolled at Brigham Young University, where he was able to obtain an undergraduate degree in just 3 years.

After attending BYU, he took his family to Omaha, Nebraska, where he attended Creighton University and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. He then relocated to further his education by specializing in Orthodontics at the University of Washington. He loved his work and was always concerned for the welfare of his co-workers and patients.

In 1970, Jim met and married Evelyn Kay Bird of Springville, Utah. Their marriage was solemnized in the Provo Utah Temple on January 5, 1979. With their seven children combined, their marriage was further blessed with two daughters. Jim believed that there was no such thing as a free ride and that education and hard work were vital, but healthy recreation was nearly as important.

Jim and Kay loved to travel, although all roads usually ended back home in Doe Hill. They wanted their children to experience many historical, national, and Church landmarks, as well as cultures and people as part of their education.

Jim was an instrument-rated pilot, loved boating, fishing, snowmobiling, and riding his off-road motorcycle.

In 1995, Jim retired from his practice and built a home in Elk Ridge, Utah, where he and Kay could watch over the valley, as well as their family. Jim loved working on his farm, serving in the temple, attending Bluegrass festivals and visiting his grandchildren. Jim’s life was full of success, but his greatest source of happiness was his family.

He is survived by his wife, Evelyn Kay Bird Armstrong; five children, James R. Armstrong, M. Jane (Craig) Holdaway, Harry Dice Armstrong, Nina K. (Mitch) Johnston, Angel Armstrong; three stepchildren, S. LaMar (Julie) Wiscombe, Lawrence C. (Maria) Wiscombe, John F. (Mindi) Wiscombe; four sisters, Jo Ann (Wally) Raynor, Sonja Cunningham, Patty Jensen, Martha (Dennis) Walker, and one brother, Gary (Lorraine) Armstrong. Jim also leaves behind 25 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother John Dice Armstrong, and his son John Leland Armstrong.

Family and friends are invited to attend a viewing from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 19th at Wheeler Mortuary, located at 211 East 200 South, Springville, Utah.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 20th at 11:00 a.m. at the American Fork 36th Ward Chapel at 2433 West 450 South, Pleasant Grove, Utah. Friends and relatives may call prior to services from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Interment at Evergreen Cemetery in Springville, Utah, just off Highway 89 at 1997 South 400 East.

The family would especially like to thank Leslie Perry, Garry Miller MD, Mohammed Entazari-Taher MD, and the kind and compassionate healthcare professionals and staff of iCare Home Health & Hospice, specifically Lori Liston and Ryan Castleton, as well as Visiting Angels.