James Michael Potter

Captain Jim Potter you will be missed. A heroic man passed away who we call our father. The other night our hearts were broken when we were informed our dad passed away. He was a gentle, loving, and kind soul. Our dad showed us so much love and compassion we have learned to carry on to others. Our whole life we have known our dad to be committed to service and making the world a better place. Being in the Military, on the Swat Team and Captain of the Sheriff�s Department he was dodging bullets and bringing teddy bears to the kids he saved from abuse. This man saw so much pain and took so much on and always continued to fight for his life. We lost him at 60 years old but what a fight he gave. Life is so precious and is meant to be full of love, passion, and excitement. We love you daddy so much and hope you�re having fun up there, thank you for showing up in our lives and teaching us so many lessons that we will continue to grow from. A part of you will always be with us. We love you and are so blessed to have each other as siblings. We are growing closer from this and will continue to live your legacy in love, peace and family. James Michael Potter was born in Washington D.C. Dec 31, 1955 to Royston Eli Potter and Margaret Melora Bergling Potter. He had one sibling,his older brother Royston Edward Potter. At birth Jim�s leg was twisted and he spent the first six months of his life with his leg in a cast. This was to be the first of many health challenges he would overcome. He graduated from BYU after marrying Terri Butterfield in 1977. Together they had three beautiful children. Jason Potter, Jaimee Potter and Kristi Potter- Johnson. They later divorced. Jim was in the ROTC at BYU graduating with a bachelor�s degree in Law enforcement and left as a commissioned officer, a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army. Initially he was in Air Defense but his passion was in Law enforcement so he switched fields to Military Police. He was stationed at Ft Ord, CA, and the Pentagon in Washington D.C. After 13 years in the service achieving the rank of Major and getting his Master�s Degree in Mass Communication he elected to get out of the Army and follow his dream of becoming a Police Officer. He put himself through the academy and in 1989 joined the Salt Lake County Sheriff�s Office. He served many functions in the Sheriff�s office. He was a Sergeant, Public Information Officer, on the SWAT team, a Lieutenant, and Captain over Detectives and Special crimes. All of which he loved. In 1998 he received the high honor of �Top Cop� in all of America for helping to save a fellow officer in a shootout. He was flown to Washington D.C. for a special ceremony and was honored by President Clinton. Throughout his life he overcame several health issues. After suffering his first heart attack at age 32 he fought his way back only to suffer another one a few years later. After a quadruple bypass he yet again made a full recovery. In 2008 he suffered a massive stroke and was rescued by his own deputies who found him after breaking into his house lying on the floor unconscious. These men were later given a distinguished service award for saving his life. After his stroke the Dr�s. said he would probably not be able to walk or talk normally ever again. He proved them wrong and made a miraculous recovery. His health challenges forced him to retire from the Sheriff�s office after twenty years. This was devastating to him. After that he lived a quiet lifestyle watching old movies, playing his guitar, working out, playing with his grandchildren and visiting with family. A memory we will never forget is his love for Batman. He was always saying that he was Batman and would wear it proudly. He�s proceeded in death by his parents. Survived by brother Royston Potter, 3 children, Jason Potter, Jaimee Potter, and Kristi Johnson (Dan), 6 beautiful grandkids, Mia, Skyla, Savvy, Journee, Jett and Keegan along with many nieces and nephews. Services to honor Jim will be held Thursday, July 21st at Utah Veterans Memorial Park at 10:30 am. at 17111 S. Redwood Rd, Riverton UT 84065. Interment to follow with honors provided by the US Military and Salt Lake County Sheriff�s Office.