Jimmy A. Vega

Friday, Jan. 22, 2016

SALT LAKE CITY — Jimmy A. Vega, aged 84, died Jan. 10, 2016, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

Jimmy was born May 3, 1931, to Jesus and Bernadette Vega in Durango, Colo. Jimmy was raised in Carbon County, Utah. He graduated from the College of Eastern Utah, receiving his certification in auto mechanics. After college, he served his country as a specialist/corporal in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. In 1955, he met and married Evelyn Gallegos, and they recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Together, Jimmy and Evelyn raised their five children in Salt Lake City. During this time and into his retirement, he worked for General Distributing Company and was always very proud of his association with Budweiser. 

Jimmy was a devoted member of St. Patrick Parish for more than 50 years, serving in whatever capacity he was called on to fulfill. He was a founding member of the Holy Name Society at St. Patrick, providing assistance in the parish to those in need as lector and Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, as well as parish council and other committees; he was held in great esteem among his fellow parishioners. 

In addition, his organization made the carnival beer garden a highlight of the event.

Jimmy maintained a passion for the outdoors his entire life, hunting and fishing with his son, brothers and nephews in his younger years, always returning with great stories of their good times and a plan for a bigger trip the next time. In more recent years, Jimmy especially enjoyed the annual camping trip to Arches National Park each fall. After the day’s hiking and sightseeing, he would organize a lively poker game, making certain everyone followed not only Hoyle’s rules but the house rules as well.

Jimmy is survived by his beloved wife, Evelyn; his loving children, Ann, Susan, Paul, Teresa, Catherine, and their spouses; his adoring grandchildren, Elisabeth, Joseph, Marcos, Victor, Lucia and Lilianna; his brother John and sister Anita; and countless other family and friends.

Jimmy’s family would like express a deeply felt and grateful thanks to all the doctors, nurses and staff at the Salt Lake VA Hospital for their kindness and steadfast care during his illness. Their humanity and dedication to all veterans remains extraordinary.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Salt Lake City.