James Bidlack

James Lealand Bidlack

May 3, 1946 ~ September 25, 2014

Due to a failing refrigerator that Heaven simply couldn’t fix, James “Jim” Lealand Bidlack was called to the house of our Lord to repair the problem. His lifelong friend, Walter Estep, was waiting for him with a tool kit in hand. Jim’s parents; sister, Patricia; and sister-in-law, Cindy, were waiting close by in hopes to play a game of cards and share stories after the service call.

Jim was born on May 3, 1946 to Manley and Edna Bidlack. He was raised in Brigham City. Jim married Lynn Bierley and they later divorced. Jim later married his best friend and love of his life, Vanessa “Baby” Estep Thomson. Throughout his 68 years of life, he became a husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

After almost a full career with General Electric, Jim became an owner of H & A Sales, an appliance store specializing in honesty and hard work. To many people, H & A Sales and grandpa’s house meant a lot more than appliances and a place of business; it was a holiday resort, a daycare, a farm, a school, a home, and above all, an escape from life’s chaos. Anyone who visited could discover hidden treats throughout the store, like ice cream, snickers, cookies, licorice, and various other stashed away in numerous refrigerators.

Jim was a man who could fix or build anything with his bare hands. His most precious projects were his six children, Jody, Cheri, Nicki, Sara, Tera, and Jess. However, with any great project, you need a foreman and partner, which he found in his wife Vanessa. Together this team built many things, literally and figuratively, but all because of the love of their family.

While his memory burns bright in all of us, Jim is survived by his wife, Vanessa; children; grandchildren; sister, Peggy Goodwin; brother-in-law, Lucky Estep; sister-in-law, Bobbie Garret; mother-in-law, Joan Estep; and more family and friends than one could imagine.

It’s only when you are fully grown, when you have stepped away from his care and home, that you can measure and appreciate his love. He is a man, father, and friend that we can only aspire to be.

A celebration of life will be held Wednesday, October 1, 2014, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Comfort Suites, 2250 S. 1200 W. Ogden. In support of his wishes, Jim will be cremated. In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting donations at America First Credit Union, under the account name of James Bidlack Memorial Fund. For more information, please contact us at bidlackjess@gmail.com .