James Monson

James Kirt Monson, 52, passed away unexpectedly on January 5th, 2026 in Vernal, Utah. Kirt was born on April 21, 1973 in Price, Utah to Jana and Ernest Monson.

He served a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Birmingham England from 1993-1995, where he developed a love for the people, the country, and for his Savior Jesus Christ. Kirt married his best friend, Sheli Louise Andrews, on February 23, 1996 in the Manti, Utah LDS temple. He was well known for his sarcastic sense of humor and big heart.

He enjoyed spending time bird hunting and trapping outdoors with his family and his dogs, and never missed an opportunity to comment on the beautiful weather or the changing leaves in the fall. He loved to cook and play guitar and would often visit people he thought would be lonely during the Christmas season to sing them a carol or two. His proudest accomplishment was his family and he made tremendous sacrifices throughout his life to ensure that they were comfortable and taken care of. He loved being a husband, father, and grandfather, and enjoyed nothing more than to sit on the porch and talk to those he loved for hours. He worked as a plant foreman at American Gilsonite for a large portion of his career and was loved (and feared) by those he supervised.

He is preceded in death by his brother, Nathan Kay Monson, and his grandparents. He is survived by his wife, Sheli Louise Monson, his children Rell, Colby, Kylie, Brock, Saydee (Tate) and Kaylan Monson, his grandson Conley James Monson, his parents, and his four brothers.

The family would like to thank Ashley Valley Mortuary, friends and family, and the Maeser 5th Ward for their care, compassion, and all the resources provided during this difficult time.

Funeral services for James Kirt Monson, age 52, of Vernal, husband of Sheri Monson, will be held Monday, January, 12, 2026 at 11:00AM at the Phillips Ashley Valley Funeral Home. A visitation for family and friends will be held Monday morning from 9:45 AM to 10:45 AM at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Rockpoint Cemetery.