Oct. 27, 1935-March 24, 2022
James “Bruce” Densley graduated from this life on March 24, 2022, and reunited with his wife, Karen. He was born Oct. 27, 1935, to DeVone Oliane Densley and William Melvin Densley in Salt Lake City where he spent his younger years. While a senior at South High he enlisted in the Utah Air National Guard and proudly served in the guard and Air Force Reserves.
Bruce served a Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to Northern California, 1955-1957. After returning from his mission, he continued his studies at the University of Utah. During this time, he met and married Sara (Sally) Jane Merrill in January 1960. The marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. Upon graduation, Bruce accepted a position in retail management and was transferred to northern California where they resided until the early 1970s when he requested a transfer back to the Salt Lake area.
Bruce and Sally had four wonderful children: Destiny, Shelley Jane, Julie Oliane and James Merrill. They divorced in May 1983. On Nov. 16, 1984, Bruce married his best friend Karen Bowen Wall. This marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. Karen was his constant and caring companion until she passed away on March 11, 2021. When Bruce and Karen married, Bruce gained two more wonderful daughters, Wendy Marie and Tonya Kaye.
Bruce stated that he loved all six unconditionally and with all his heart, that his family was his heritage in this life. To Bruce and Karen their family was their life and they received great joy from them.
In 2002, Bruce and Karen had a home built in Virgin. He said it was “easier to shovel sunshine than the cold white stuff.” They both loved Virgin and said they never wanted to live anywhere else.
In 2004, Bruce was elected to the Virgin Town Council. He served for 10 years and was then elected mayor for four years. He said he loved this job (most of the time).
Bruce was preceded in death by his father and mother, his wife, brother Paul and wife Leanore, his brother Art, a brother-in-law Shiogi Sugaya, a sister-in-law Sandra Beddes. He is survived by their six children Destiny, Shelley (Steve), Julie (Curtis), Jim, Wendy (Damon) and Tonya (Wes), 11 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Also, by brothers Steven (Cheryl), Don (Bonnie), sister-in-law Elaine Densley, brother-in-law Gary (Vida) Bowen, sister-in-law Marica (Dennis) Wilson, brother-in-law David Beddes.
A viewing will be held in the Springdale Ward Chapel, 9–10:45 am on Wednesday, March 30. The funeral will follow, beginning at 11 a.m.
A viewing will be held in Layton, 9–10:45 a.m. with the graveside services following in Farmington Utah Cemetery on Friday, April 1.
The family wishes to thank Serenity Funeral Home of Saint George and Lindquist Mortuary of Layton for their services.