Kathie Cameron James

Kathie Cameron James passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of December 24, 2023, at her home in Oakley, Utah. She was 77 years old. Kathie was born to Glen Richard and Shirley Bohn Cameron in Salt Lake City, Utah, on October 17, 1946.

Kathie was born at the dawn of the Baby Boomer Era and wholeheartedly embraced the hallmark values of her generation: hard work, optimism, and devotion to family. Her parents taught her the essence of a strong work ethic and the importance of setting and achieving meaningful goals. Throughout her life, Kathie learned valuable lessons of thrift, sacrifice, tenderness, mercy, and unconditional love, which she passed on to her children and grandchildren through her positive example. Her legacy is one of inspiration, and it will continue to inspire and influence future generations.

Kathie fell in love with Thomas Boyd James in 1967. He was a tall, quiet, rugged outdoorsman who swept her off her feet. They married on August 2, 1968, and started their new family. Soon after, they welcomed their first child, John Thomas (Tommy), on Sunday, May 11, 1969, Mother's Day. Two years and eight days later, on May 19, 1971, they were blessed with their second child, Kameron Leigh (Kami). Tom would always be Kathie’s only true love for the next forty years.

Tom and Kathie have always dreamed of enjoying a relaxed Western lifestyle with their children away from the hustle and bustle of the city. After searching for a while, they finally found their perfect place in the beautiful Snyderville Basin in Summit County, Utah. With their horses in their backyard, their new homestead quickly became a welcoming gathering spot for everyone. Kathie and Tom's family and friends loved visiting them, especially the nieces, who couldn't get enough of playing with the real horses!

When Tom passed away in 2009, Kathie found that as each year went by, it became increasingly difficult to manage the family homestead alone. As time passed, she did receive help from her children, but the responsibility of upkeep proved too much. Eventually, her family helped her build a new home that was completed in 2019.  The new place enabled her to move closer to her son in Oakley, Utah.

Kathie cherished her family and found immense joy and pleasure in their company. Her husband, children, and grandchildren were the most important parts of her life. As grandparents, Kathie and Tom were exceptional. They played a unique role in raising their granddaughters, Bella, Baileigh, and Bridgette, providing them with unwavering love, support, guidance, and wisdom. They also instilled rich family traditions that have been invaluable in shaping these young women into strong individuals. Kathie and Tom were, and will continue to be, excellent role models, mentors, and caregivers, consistently setting a positive example for their granddaughters.

Kathie's affections extended beyond her immediate family and encompassed all her nieces and nephews. Everyone who knew her will miss her warm hugs, funny stories, contagious laughter, summer afternoon cook-outs, Thanksgiving Day sing-a-longs, and especially her unconditional love.

Kathie is survived by her son, John Thomas James; her daughter, Kameron Leigh James Buchanan; and her three granddaughters - Bella, Baileigh, and Bridget Buchanan, whom Kathie always modestly affirmed are all beautiful, talented, and absolutely amazing.

Kathie’s funeral service is scheduled for noon on Friday, January 12, 2024, at Goff Mortuary, 8090 South State Street, Midvale, Utah 84047.  A viewing is planned for those wishing to pay their respects one hour before the funeral service from 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM.

Interment will be at Memorial Mountain View Cemetery, 3115 Bengal Blvd, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121.