The family of James Edward Ferguson have had the privilege of knowing and loving one of the most kind hearted, selfless men to have ever lived! He lived every day to show us, by word and by deed, how much we meant to him. He lived a Christ Centered life and shared that message of hope with everyone who came into his life.
When he was born his family lived in Jasper, Tennessee – however there was no hospital near, so he was actually born across the state line in Bridgeport, Alabama. His father was a coal miner, and while James was still a young boy his family moved to Superior, Arizona. While there he met the Kuykendall family, who changed his life for the very best in so many ways! After his graduation from Superior High School he served a Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Tulsa, Oklahoma Mission. Upon his return he started working for Motorola, and attending MCC. While singing in a Young Adult Choir he met his future world, his wife Renee. After spending a year in Puyallup, Washington, we returned to the Valley and he began his career at Intel. He would have been with them for 30 years in June! We’ve always said he never really returned from his mission, serving continually as a Stake and Ward Missionary, the best Webelos Leader, and loved being in the Primary, but his favorite place was the Nursery!
He was planning to retire and had begun to put his house in order, sparing his family that difficulty during this time of loss. The family will always have wonderful memories of their first cruise to the Bahamas in January of 2020. They were going to celebrate their 40th anniversary in 2021 with a family cruise to Alaska – and if possible will still go. He wanted to retire in Florida, and wanted us to take him with us, so we will. His Grand Adventures have taken his on another path right now, but we will be together again!
He is survived by his beloved wife, Renee, and their six children; James & Amanda, Joshua & Kittiy, Jamee, Jacob, Jared, and Julia, and our bonus daughter, Vicki. His life was enriched by his 2 grandchildren, James Alexander and Evelyn Marie; along with hundreds of added “Grandies” we have taught over the years.
A Memorial Service will be held January 23, 2021 at 11 a.m. The address of the Stake Center is 3025 S. Hawes Rd., Mesa, AZ 85212. We completely understand if you are unable to attend, especially those who would have to travel. We’d much rather you stay safe! Social distancing and masks will be required. His family is putting together a Virtual Memorial and would love to include your memories or photos, or pictures of those he loved! A private link will be provided for those who would like to view it.
Memorial contributions may be made to latterdaysaintcharities.org; you can give medicine, clean water, infant resuscitation kits, wheelchairs, even a Goat! James loved to give Goats!
You could also fund a missionary at: philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org/missionary.
Thank you for making his life so Wonderful!!!
You my friend will be greatly missed as I have known you for all of my 25 yrs at intel. I always enjoyed our chats at work and you always had a kind word for anyone you met. You my friend were a blessed soul without a doubt. Take care old Intel buddy my heart will always remember you. Love and Laughter always and in all way…Love you brother…DeeJay
I’m really going to miss James, I’ve known James through work here at intel for quite a few years and he was always a gentle soul. When I joined the church back in 2014, James was always there to answer questions that I may have had about the gospel. After the LDS General Conferences we would always talk about which talks that resonated with us and we shared the insights we gained. Dear friend and co worker, James you will will be greatly missed ;-((
I was fortunate to know and worked with James for 20+years. He was always smile to everybody and caring friend. He made me smile and feeling peaceful when we were working together. James will be in our hearts and memories forever. RIP James.
My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Ashley N.
Thank you for letting James be a part of our lives. He was a light and his smile joy blessed many lives. I am sure he continues to do this where he is now. May the Spirit of the Lord bless and comfort you and your Family.
Loosing a co-worker that you worked with for so long is hard. Loosing someone that felt like family is even harder. James always made us laugh with his one liner’s. In our group of TF Metro we get along with each other so well, I had no problem inviting them for events at my house. I wish I had better words to describe James. He was a great guy, we got along, he did his job and treated everyone with respect. I was amazed how many people he knew at intel. He will be missed and I send out prayers to the Ferguson family.