Jim died on August 5, 2019, from pancreatic cancer.
Jan. 12, 1951 ~ Aug. 5, 2019 James Rand (Jim) Tueller, of Tarpon Springs, Florida, died August 5, 2019 from pancreatic cancer. He was born in Salt Lake City on January 12, 1951 to Eleanor "Peggy" Biles Tueller and Reed O. Tueller. The youngest of five children, "Jimmy" was raised in the Highland Park area of Sugar House, attending Highland Park Elementary, Irving and Southeast Junior Highs, and Highland High. After attending BYU, the U of U, and the University of Maryland, he graduated from Regis College while living in Denver. In 1998 he was fortunate to meet a gentle, kindred soul and form a relationship with the man who would become his legal husband, John George Zimmerman III. John has been the greatest gift of Jim's life and they have enjoyed each moment together. Jim began his career at Mountain Bell/USWest, where he eventually moved into Human Resources.Thereafter, he went on to serve as a Human Resources Director at Caesars Palace, Station Casinos, United Blood Services and Creative Testing Solutions. He often said that moving was his only hobby, and he felt fortunate to have lived in Utah, Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, Washington D.C., Virginia, Colorado, Nevada and Florida. Jim was preceded in death by both parents, sisters Elizabeth Ann Hanger and Peggy Sue Marcus, nieces Jan Hanger Peterson and Deli Tueller, former partner Ches Williams, step-son Jeremy Williams and many dear friends. He is survived by his husband, John Zimmerman, brothers Alden B. Tueller (Nancy) and Arlin R. Tueller (Phyllis), brothers-in-law Earl Hanger and Cory Marcus (Nancy) and many treasured nieces, nephews, and cousins of varying degrees. At his request, cremation has taken place and no services will be held. Internment of his ashes will take place at a later date in the Paris, Idaho City Cemetery. To his many friends, as the song from Wicked says: "Who can say if I've been changed for the better but because I knew you, I have been changed for good." Published in Salt Lake Tribune on Aug. 11, 2019
https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/saltlaketribune/obituary.aspx?n=jim-tueller&pid=193571732
John E. Day
Sarah Morgan notified me on Monday that Jim had died. Many thanks Sarah. I connected with Jim several years ago when he was living in Las Vegas. We had lunch together and shared a lot of memories of time spent at Highland. When he learned that I was a priest in the Episcopal Church he talked about the joys and difficulties living as a Gay man. After he learned that my daughter was Gay and married, we talked about his marriages and the man he loved. I communicated with Jim several weeks ago and told him that even though we lived on opposite coasts, I will miss him dearly. Not long ago, I received an email from Jim informing me that the house where I grew up on Parley's Terrace was being remodelled by friends of his. He put is in contact and I was able to share memories and construction information with his friends. Jim was one of the most outgoing and caring people I have ever met. While I grieve his death, I give thanks that he has been released from pain. "In death life is changed, not ended."
Susan Stringham (Wagner)
My heart just aches to hear of Jimmy's passing. He was the heart of Seminary Choir and had such an impact on all of us. He had such an incredible presence, so fun to be around and yes, we all felt like we were his best friend. He and I dated a couple of times while seniors. We always had fun but the one thing I'll always remember him for is asking me to go to the Christmas dance. I was, of course, excited to go with him! But the night of the dance he called and said he'd gotten so sick he just couldn't take me. I felt let down of course but within a few minutes he was at my front door! He was obviously terribly ill but there he stood holding some beautiful red roses for me. He apologized profusely, even said he had tried to find another date for me! What could I say? He was so kind, so thoughtful, so Jimmy. After all these years since that night I don't think about missing the Christmas dance. I remember Jimmy being a class act, always kind, putting others before himself! Rest in peace wonderful, old friend.Susan Stringham Wagner
Diana Nelson (Gray)
Both my husband and I are so saddened about Jim's passing. He was a treasured friend for us. Recently he took the time to post on FB that he and my husband had a common ancestor and were 8th cousins 2x removed. He made life fun-loving and loved connecting to people in so many ways. You will be missed! Rest in peace.
Charlene Hough (Albertson)
It’s always sad when those we loved know or had a cursory acquaintance with pass from this life to the next. I didn’t know Jim very well in High School, such a huge number of students. It’s obvious he was loved and cherished from the time he was a wee one. His posts for this 50th reunion were fun and I’m sad he did not make it. All I can say, since I was not one he counted as a close friend....Rest in Peace and thank you for being the person you were as recounted by all these posted memories.
David Fernandez
We are incredibly saddened by Jim's passing. He alway went out of his way to come to any art show I had in the Tarpon Springs area. When he moved back to Salt Lake for a short time he purchased our family's home on Westminster Avenue. His Facebook posts were always so supportive of my work and family. He will be missed.
Patrice Stoler (Harmer)
Scott(HH1968) and I were sincerely looking forward to seeing our friend Jimmy. His smile and energy could seriously light up a room. He was always kind to everyone. I sincerely appreciated his kindness when I came to Highland as a Junior, with zero self confidence and did not know anyone. I lived just around the block from his way cool “Barn House”. He always was a friend at school and around the neighborhood. Scott and Jimmy attended the same Ward. Jimmy was one of less than five people that knew Scott and I separately, which was fun for us.(we met at BYU in 1972). Much Love To You Jimmy...We will miss You.
Julie Winegar (Sawyer)
Jim and I lived in the same neighborhood during our High Shool years. I moved to SLC right before my softmore year. I remember many nights hanging out together in the 'hood'. Our Birthdays are the same--January 12, 1951. We use to call ourselves twins and make a joke about it. To this day, I always tried to be the first one to wish him Happy Birthday, but he would often beat me to it. After High School, I lost touch with everyone. I had seen no one since I graduated. The 40th reunion I reconnected with many friends with Jim being one of them. Through Facebook we have been able to stay connected.
In 2011 I was in Reno celebrating my birthday and military retirement when who do I run into? Yes --- Jim. Who would have thought. We were able to share birthday cake that year which was such a very good memory.
Jim had a heart of gold. Even when he was going through all that he was, he showed an amazing act of kindness to my sister when she was going through chemo herself. My sister and I will always remember and appreciate that act of kindness. Thank you Jim.
I will miss his prescense more than I can say. The bantering, the supportive comments, the humor and every other feelings that might have been passed back and forth, I will miss. Thank you Jim for being the person you were. You have inspired many,many people.
Sara Morgan (Emery)
Jim was the definition of "joie de vivre". He lived his life to the fullest and added joy to others. JIm was given an incredible gift and he shared it with everyone he met. Jim lived, loved and he was loved.
Leslie (Les ) Udy
Aah Jim, one bright shining light snuffed out far too soon! ! ! You will be greatly missed by soooooo many. From one of the Highland Park Elementary group. Rest easy.Mike K. Richards
Very sad to see Jim's obituary. I knew of Jim but didn't have the privilege to know him as most people did. I do remember seeing him in school, maybe even had a class or two with him, but nevertheless, he was obviously a great guy with a good heart and spirit. He lived quite a good life and the fact he touched so very many other lives is a very deserving tribute to the great person he was and still is. He will be missed. RIP