James Allen Ross

James Allen Ross passed away on April 14, 2026, at the age of 75. James Allen Ross was born on a snowy day, March 2, 1951, at St. Benedict's hospital in Ogden, Utah, to James Marvin ross and Ruth Ellen ross. He entered this world during a storm and spent his life proving he could weather anything- with grit, grace, and a guitar in his hands.

Jim grew up in Ogden, exploring his childhood and becoming a man. He had an older brother who tormented him- like older brothers do- always getting him to take the most outlandish dares. That was their childhood entertainment, and Jim wore those stories like badges of honor. His fondest memory as a boy was traveling all the way to Reno to march in a parade with his brother Phillip and his sister Colleen. Phillip played the bugle, Colleen twirled the baton, and Jim brought up the rear with the bass drum, pounding out a rhythm that never really left his heart.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved parents, James Marvin Ross and Ruth Ellen Ross, and by his brother Leon Wilson (wife Carol Wilson of Vernal, Utah), Johnny Ross and George Wilson. He leaves behind a legacy carried by his brothers and sisters; Colleen Hamaker (Lee Hamaker) of Jensen, Ut, Jay Wilson (wife Annete), Don Wilson (wife Shirley), Danny Britt Ross (wife Debbie) and Phillip Ross (single still in Ogden). His mother and father now welcome him home.

On February 19, 1971, Jim met the sweet young thing who would change everything. Her name was Brenda Harmon. She fell head over heels for his hippie long hair, the way he played guitar, and that Triumph motorcycle with sissy bars. They married and stayed side by side for 54 beautiful years. Brenda didn't just love him-she saw him. He never stopped playing for her.

Together they built a family. First came a boy, the apple of Jim's eye, Brandon James Ross. Then come the princess he always wanted, a bouncing baby girl, Jamie Louellen Ross. Jamie now lives in Vernal with her husband, William F. Dowden, they gave Jim two wonderful grandchildren he adored beyond measure; Dallas James Dowden and Leighton R. Dowden.

Jim's son Brandon, who is divorced, has two incredible children of his own. Birkley Brianna Ross Nielson- who is married to Karson Nielson-gave Jim a great grandchild, Eve Nielson, who lit up his world. Then there's Connor, the proud Navy man of the family, walking in the footsteps of his great grandfather, because Jim's own dad served in the Navy too. Brandon lives with his mom, Brenda, here in Vernal, keeping the family close and the coffee pot warm.

Jim and Brenda bought their first home in Vernal right before Brandon was born. Jim worked his way up to tool pusher in the oilfield and expected for a couple of chapters when he owned his own business- first with his brother in the 80's and 90's, then again with his son Brandon- he never left the oilfield behind. Together, Jim and Brandon created J&B Handyman Service, the premier handyman service in all of Utah. His grandson Dallas worked side by side with Brandon and Jim every single day, learning the art of restoration, flood repair and landscaping. Jim was always eager to teach you something and show you the right way to do things. You could argue with him, but in the end-90 percent? No 99.9 percent of the time- he was proven right.

Jim loved to jam on his guitar. He had a collection that would make any musician weep, and he could play every single one. He really, really wailed.

He was a hard worker. He had a wisdom beyond most people. He could fix anything- broken pipes, broken hearts and broken days. If you knew Jim, you knew that when he said he'd handle it, it was already handled.

Jim leaves behind a family that will miss him in every key, every chord, every quiet morning. They also know this: He already got a bass drum in one hand and a guitar in the other, marching in a parade that never ends.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Brenda Ross, his son, Brandon James Ross, his daughter, Jamie Louellen Dowden (William F. Dowden). His grandchildren; Dallas James Dowden, Leighton R. Dowden, Birkley Brianna ross Nielson (Karson Nielson) and Connor Douglas Ross. His great grandchild Evelyn Nicole Nielson. His brothers and sisters; Jay Wilson (Annete), Don L. Wilson (Shirley), Danny Britt Ross (Debbie), Phillip Ross, Carol Wilson, Colleen Hamaker (Lee Hamaker), Johnny Ross and George Wilson. Countless friends, coworkers, and neighbors who were lucky enough to learn something from him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Marvin Ross and Ruth Ellen Ross. His brother Leon Wilson, Johnny Ross and George Wilson.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held Saturday, March 18, 2026, at 7:00pm at Phillips Ashley Valley Funeral Home (410 North 800 West). A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:00pm ~ 7:00pm.