James "Jim" Henry Poulsen, Jr.

James Henry Poulsen Jr., 73, passed away unexpectedly on October 22, 2025, at his home in Deweyville. He was born on April 25, 1952, in Brigham City, to James Henry Poulsen and Janice Loveland Poulsen. He was the oldest of four boys.

When Jim was 6 years old his Dad was killed in a construction accident, and he became the man of the house to his mom and 2 younger brothers. When he was 10 years old, his mom married Corvil (Cork) Gardner and later gained another brother.

Growing up, Jim lived in North Ogden, Garland, and Deweyville. At the age of 8, he began working on a dude ranch in Jackson Hole with the Ferrin family and worked there for 11 summers. This was where his love for horses, hunting, camping, and the outdoors began, and he gained the nickname, “Dude”. The Ferrins became forever family.

Jim was always active in sports during junior high and high school, playing football, basketball, and baseball. He graduated from Bear River High School & LDS Seminary in 1970, where he served as the Senior Class VP. After completing high school, he attended Snow College excelling in football and baseball. His love for sports did not stop there. He played on many church basketball teams, commercial basketball and fastpitch softball teams, bowling leagues, and organized the Deweyville Fastpitch Softball League which was a success for many years.

He married the love of his life, Karleen Thompson, on March 19, 1971. They were later sealed in the Logan LDS Temple on March 19, 1973. Karleen passed away in 2015. They are the parents of 4 children: Cory James (Chelsie) Poulsen, Tremonton; Bunny Jo Barnett, Deweyville; Krissy Lee (Scott) Wash, Harrisville; Shelby Kay (Skyler) Christiansen, Syracuse. Grandchildren Dani, Jhett, and Levvy Poulsen; Taylee Gardner; Shawni Barnett (fiancé Jedd Parry), Hunter (Cierra) Barnett, Oaklie Barnett, and Brighton Barnett; Presley & Reese Christiansen; Brianna Wash; and Great-Grandchildren Bentley Collins, Camdyn Poulsen, and Milly Barnett.

Jim finally “quit” working at the age of 69 (“retiring is what old people do”). He worked for 37 years at Northrup Grumman (Thiokol) in Promontory, Brigham, and Clearfield. He also spent 12 years traveling to Park City while working for Rolls Royce.

He served several terms as a Deweyville Town Councilman, and 2 terms as Mayor. He took great pride in Deweyville and worked as the park groundskeeper until the day of his passing.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many capacities including YM President and advisor; Bishop’s counselor, executive secretary, and clerk; Sunday School presidencies and teacher; Elder’s Quorum presidencies; Tremonton Stake Mission President; Stake High Counselor; Primary teacher; and Home Teacher/Minister. His Christlike service reached beyond the church, both seen and unseen. He spent many hours helping family, neighbors and friends; volunteering at the church cannery; providing for others in tough circumstances; visiting the elderly and the sick; and making many lifelong friends in the process.

Jim rarely had an idle moment. If he wasn’t working, he was attending ball games, dance recitals, school events, or taking a friend to lunch. He loved horse pack trips with his family and friends, bird and big game hunting, Alaska hunting and fishing trips, annual camping trips to Beaver Creek, spending time with friends in Grouse Creek, and even our Disneyland obsession!

He is survived by his children and grandchildren; brothers Kurt (Michele) Poulsen, Jackson, WY; and Clayt (Jann) Gardner, Tremonton and sister-in-law Sue Poulsen, Brigham City. He was preceded in death by his wife Karleen, parents, loving grandparents, infant son in 1982, his in-laws Roy and Mary Lou Thompson, and his brother Lyle Poulsen.

Funeral services will be held Monday, November 3, 2025, at Noon at the Deweyville Church (10750 N 3000 W- Deweyville). Viewings will be held Sunday, November 2, 2025, from 5-7 P.M. at Rudd Funeral Home- Tremonton (111 N 100 E- Tremonton) and prior to the service at the church from 10-11:30 A.M. The service will be livestreamed and can be accessed below.

DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT PAN THE CROWD AND THE CAMERA IS FIXED UPON THE PULPIT. WE WILL TRY AND LIVESTREAM THE FUNERAL SERVICE. IF WE ARE UNABLE TO DO SO, DUE TO THE INTERNET SERVICE AT THE CHURCH, A RECORDING WILL BE UPLOADED WITHIN 24-48 HOURS AFTER THE SERVICE.