James W. Brackner

James Walter Brackner, born 6 August 1934 near Selma, Alabama, passed from the earth on October 2, 2024. His wife Gayle was the love of his life and they recently celebrated 65 years of marriage. James was the oldest of eight children born to James Oscar and Ruby Langston Brackner. He grew up in the back woods of post-depression Alabama and always loved returning to his roots and visiting with his family. 

James was proud of his education as he obtained a master’s degree from BYU and a PhD from the University of Alabama. After working in public accounting and business, he decided to become a professor and teach students to be more ethical. He taught at both BYU and USU. His influence on the accounting profession was profound through his publications and work with the Institute of Management Accounting. After retiring from his accounting career, he became the Mayor of River Heights, Utah. 

James was always helping those around him. He served in many leadership positions and five missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He also served in the US Army and in recent years was an active member of the American Legion.

Family was important to him. He spent time teaching his children to fish, playing games, and watching football. 

James is survived by his wife Gayle and his 7 children: James (Becky), Betsy (Holly), Joseph (Diana), David (Adrianne), Susan (Chris), Daniel (Emily), Nancy (Max); as well as 22 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers, Leon (Betty) and Bill (Carol), and two sisters, Eunice and Mary Joyce.

A viewing and funeral will be held to celebrate his life on Monday, October 7, 2024, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 800 South 600 East, River Heights, UT. The viewing will be from 10:00 am to 11:30 am followed by the funeral at 12:00 pm. He will be interred at the Providence Cemetery in River Heights Utah. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Mission fund, or the James W and Gayle L Brackner Scholarship at Utah State University.

The funeral service will be livestreamed and can be accessed by clicking on the following link:

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE LIVESTREAMING OF THE FUNERAL SERVICES