October 30, 2023 and Jim Drury Obituary

Hey everyone. If you haven’t heard we have some sad news at Drury farms. Dad passed away on Friday leaving a crater sized hole in our lives. Here is his obituary. We’d love to see you at his services if you can make it. James Miles Drury, our treasured father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend passed away on Friday afternoon, October 27th, shortly after visiting with friends and enjoying time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dad’s legacy will be that he lived a life characterized by his deep love for his family, an unmatched work ethic, and his willingness to sacrifice all for the ones he loved. Dad loved his kids and grandkids and he was happiest when they were working with him planting tomatoes or trimming trees on the farm. His booming voice could be heard barking orders a mile away. Jim was born to Cliff and Mary Drury on May 15, 1948; he was blessed to have an adoring baby sister Joann and an Irish twin brother, lifelong buddy Ernie, only 11 months older. The family’s first home was in Rose Park, where Dad often spoke fondly of the good friends he made and his first job delivering newspapers, which took him over the train tracks where hobos would often chase him. The family moved to West Jordan when Dad was 12 years old. Dad soon started to work after school farming and hauling hay for Grandall Finlayson. It was here that Dad developed a love for the land and a knack for mechanic work. Dad attended Bingham high school where he was the FFA President and played football graduating in 1967. After a brief stint in the Navy and attending Snow college, Dad married his highschool sweetheart and eternal companion Audrey Newman. They built a home on a small farm in Riverton and raised 7 children: Will, Quinn, Katie, Andy, Audra, Beau and Mary, at least 3 of whom were labeled by Dad cabooses, but Mom had other plans. Dad would often mention how proud he was of his kids, that they all had good jobs and were raising families and contributing to society. Dad loved his grandkids more than life itself and never missed an event or a ballgame, usually arriving before the team bus. Mom described their marriage as an epic love story, perhaps because they were so different in many ways, but they made it work. Their commitment to each other and to their family is a great example to all of us. If you ever asked Dad if he needed anything, he would always say “just a redhead and she ain’t here.” Dad is now reunited with his redhead and I am sure they are cherishing and rejoicing in their amazing posterity. Dad worked for Kennecott for nearly 30 years as a diesel mechanic. He served as union steward for much of that time and was always in the thick of things through strikes and contract negotiations. He was a champion for workers’ rights and understood the value of good benefits and a fair 40 hour week. Dad worked afternoon shifts for many years and all of us kids remember getting up early with him to farm or work on one of the rental properties. Dad would come home for lunch, take a quick 20 minute nap, and then head to Kennecott. Dad was a master mechanic and a jack of all trades. There was nothing that he couldn’t fix or build and he rarely called a plumber, electrician or any tradesman for assistance. Dad didn’t play much, but when he did, it was always about hunting. He was an avid duck and pheasant hunter and we will all remember fondly hunting ducks at the Lakefront Duck Club and our many trips to South Dakota to hunt pheasants. One gift that Dad had is the ability to make lifelong friends wherever he was.They are too many to name here but Dad loved his good friends from high school, college, Kennecott, the neighborhood and the duck club. I think people knew that behind his gruff exterior and short temper was a genuine good man and if you ever needed help with anything, he was only 1 phone call away. The family would also like to recognize Jim's Family Restaurant where Dad has eaten at least 2 meals a day for the last 15 years since Mom passed away. The staff and fellow customers there became like family to him. Dad always joked that he was keeping one step ahead of Broomheads. Well, they finally caught him. If you’d like to pay your respects, you can visit him there at 12600 S. 2200 W. Riverton on Thursday, November 2nd 6:00-8:00 or Friday, November 3rd at the Bluffdale chapel on Redwood Road and 14400 South with a viewing 10:00-10:45 and funeral services at 11:00 am. Dad is survived by his two siblings, Ernie (Gloria) Drury and JoAnn (Ivan) Kenison, his seven children, Will (Joyce) Drury, Quinn (Miriam) Drury, Katie (Mike) McDonald, Andy (Shawnie) Drury, Audra Jo (Shad) Crandall, Beau (Tiffany) Drury, and Mary (Jake) Beck, 26 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. Cedar was incredible. I love Spinach and Kale so very very much. Spencer is so sweet. It makes me cry to think about him going out to frame in the cold cold weather. We looked at cars, land and new jobs a lot-big things are coming. They really love Cedar, Kaela wouldn't mind staying there. Things are getting fun