William "Bill" James Palmer

William “Bill” James Palmer left his earthly existence to go fishing in a heavenly place on March 31, 2025, surrounded by family that loved him. Bill was born January 9, 1937, the oldest son to Lenard Franklin Palmer and Mary Winifred Greenfield in Midvale, Utah. He was raised in Bluffdale, Utah where he mastered the art of hunting and fishing with his father, brother and many friends. He graduated from Jordan High School in 1955 and began his work career at Kennett Copper Mine, alongside his dad and a few family members. Bill married Sherron Marie Todd in the Salt Lake City LDS temple on August 5, 1957. They raised five children, but their son, James Todd Palmer, Janet’s twin, returned home to his Heavenly Father after a few short months. Bill and Sherron divorced in 1980. Bill enjoyed a long-term relationship with Barbara Kobs. Bill was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and had a passionate belief in genealogy and temple work. Bill attended BYU and had a lengthy career working for Deseret Book in Salt Lake City. He never shied away from hard work and did what needed to be done to support his family. He worked second jobs at Lynn Wilson's, Garrett Freightlines and as a postman in Draper on weekends where he mastered driving and delivering mail from the passenger side of the car. Bill loved camping, fishing and enjoying the mountain air. He often took his family to Astoria, Oregon to visit his sister, Judy, and her family, and camping Utah’s canyon scenes. From a small boy to a senior citizen, Lagoon Amusement Park was a huge joy in his life and loved taking his family there yearly. Fishing was a regular occurrence. He also loved a good Chinese buffet, awarding nicknames to those he worked with, and family and he always ensured his children had a wonderful Christmas, complete with treasured toys. He mastered the art of creating packaging with cardboard and packing tape due to his warehouse work. Bill loved gardening and providing fresh vegetables for his family. His rose garden was immense. He also worked with his hands repairing, building and fixing things up. He referred to these projects as “Palmer Specials,” and special they were. Everybody loved his work. He enjoyed amateur coin and stamp collecting, but his camera was his treasure. We are blessed with many family slides because of his love for taking a good picture. He also enjoyed listening to Neil Diamond and ensured his children knew how to play a musical instrument. Bill will be missed for his giving and caring ways and being such a generous person to those in need, including abandoned animals. We, as a family, will cherish our time with him and look forward to our eventual reunion with him. His grandson, David, was a huge part of his final years, very often visiting him and noticing needs that he took care of. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Lenard and Mary, his son James, siblings Judy, Colleen, John, and Denise and son-in-law Kelly Sondrup (Suzanne). He is survived by his siblings Shauna and Trina, daughters Suzanne, Janet, and Angelique (Michael), and son David (Stephenie). He is survived by 20 grandkids, 33 great grandkids and 1 great-great grandkid. The family would like to thank Autumn Park Assisted Living and Canyon View Hospice Team. There will be a graveside service Friday, April 4, 2025, at the Midvale City Utah Cemetery, 471 6th Avenue, Midvale, at 1:00 pm.

William "Bill" James Palmer

January 9, 1937 - March 31, 2025