Jefferson K. Itami

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Jefferson K. Itami

April 1940 - March 2024

Jefferson K. Itami was a legendary man of many hats: decorated Army specialist during the Vietnam War, deputy sheriff senior crime scene investigator, adjunct professor at Salt Lake Community College, International Associate of Identification Officers international representative, Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Japanese American Citizens League board member, Italian American Civic League board member, Cowboy Action Shooting Society member,  “Jack D Ryper, ” University of Utah Alumni ambassador, artist and calligrapher, stage actor, Jeff the Chef, world traveler from South Africa to Norway and around the globe.

Jeff was generous with his adventures, and sent frequent letters to friends, family and colleagues around the world, which were often entertaining, always informative and eagerly anticipated. In fact, if you are reading this obituary, then you have likely been impacted by Jefferson, whether or not you know it! His full list of accomplishments is entirely too much to be contained here. Please visit JeffItami.com to read more and add your own remembrance.

A funeral Mass will be held April 12, 2024 at 1 p.m. at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Salt Lake City.

He passed away peacefully after a short bout with cancer, with his loving daughter Suzanne Hug at his side early March 30, 2024. He is survived by his wife, Linda K. Itami, brother Ted (Lona) Itami, sister Yukiko Phelps, stepdaughter Zoe Humphrey, six grandchildren Calista Cunniff, Adrienne (Sven) Fors, Lachlan (Erin) Murphy, Donovan Murphy, Alexander Hug, William Jefferson Hug, as well as beloved nieces, nephews, many cousins and dear friends who were like family to him.