James Anthony Giometta
James Anthony Giometta
James Anthony Giometta was born in Rockford, Illinois on January 21, 1947 to Anthony Joseph Giometta and Elizabeth Ruth Giometta (née Witt).
At the age of 3, doctors diagnosed Jim with polio and he lost the ability to walk. Even with his handicap, as a child, he was active and did all the normal things kids love to do, even working with his dad to build special cars to compete in soapbox races, many of which he won. Jim was also a champion swimmer (the breast stroke) and archer. Despite his handicap, Jim acted as the manager of the boys’ basketball team at Rockford East High School. After high school, Jim played wheelchair basketball for the Gizzkids team at the University of Illinois. After college, he played with the Chicago Sidewinders and then helped form his own team, the Rockford Chariots, which he played with until the early 80s.
Jim served in many LDS Church callings throughout the years, including seven years as a bishop and ten years as a counselor in a stake presidency, both in Rockford, Illinois. After moving to Utah, he served as a High Priest Group Leader and bishopric member for the Second Ward (in Salt Lake City). He also served as a veil worker in both the Washington, D.C. and Chicago temples. He enjoyed long hours of church service and was incredibly dedicated to the Lord and serving the saints.
As an adult, Jim loved spending time with his family, serving in the Church, cheering on Chicago sports teams and fishing. He never missed a Bears game or his annual fishing trip to Canada, where he got a chance to bond with his father, son and other close friends over the years. He especially loved holidays and having his whole family together. He orchestrated many family activities that would have never happened without his special direction.
Jim also enjoyed discussing current events and politics. When, at the age of 60, he landed his “dream job” working for the Sutherland Institute, all dinnertime conversation turned from everyone’s personal activities to upcoming elections and issues of the day. It wasn’t uncommon to find him listening to Rush or watching Bill O’Reilly.
Jim is survived by his mother, Elizabeth “Boots” Giometta, his loving wife of nearly 40 years, Mary (née Sauberlich), who comforted and supported him throughout his life and last moments. He is also survived by his four children, Laura Cleveland (Nathan), Jason, Julianna, and Rachel Brooks (Jacob). He was also lucky enough to have two wonderful grandchildren, Maximilian Brooks and Jack Cleveland. He and Max had a special bond and enjoyed going on short “apartment walks” together. He also gave Max some exciting rides on his wheelchair, like he used to do with his own kids. In June, Jim was fortunate enough to assist in blessing his new grandson, Jack.
Everyone loved Jim and many have been touched by his life, words and service. He constantly spoke about the importance of relationships and spent countless hours giving counsel to members of the Church and his own family on this very topic. He will be missed very much by so many people.
A viewing will be held on Friday, July 8th from 6 to 8 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Funeral services will be on Saturday, July 9th at 10:00 AM at the LDS Second Ward on the corner of 700 South 500 East, Salt Lake City, with a viewing from 9:00 to 9:45 AM.