We knew PDG James Michael Bromley as “Jim,” a longtime member of the Bountiful Rotary Club who passed into eternity at his home on Saturday, December 28, 2019 at the age of 80.
Born in Salt Lake City, Jim lived a lifetime of “service above self” beginning with two years as a fulltime missionary in South Africa for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Upon his return he met and married his sweetheart Lena Starks. They had 56 wonderful years together in which they traveled and served where needed in many countries throughout the world. In his working life, he held the title of Regional Manager of Workforce Services of Utah.
Jim served his country in the U. S. Army between 1957 – 67 as part of the Utah National Guard. He was a member of the 625th MP company, attaining the rank of ES Sargent. In 1993, he was appointed as an “Honorary Base Commander” at Hill Air Force Base. Upon his retirement, then-Ogden City Mayor Glenn Mecham declared March 30, 1995 as “Jim Bromley Day” in Ogden.
Jim and Lena loved traveling the world and at the time of his passing, they had visited 6 continents, 131 countries, all 50 states … and they were planning another trip in the spring of 2020.
As a Rotarian, Jim completed countless assignments and served in a multitude of positions, including as District Governor, Utah Rotary’s highest position, in RY1997-98.
His Rotary friends responded, as follows, to the news of his passing:
- PDG Danny Brock (RY2001-02) called him “a GIANT among Rotarians.”
- PDG Fred Berthrong (RY2005-06) said, “Jim was a very great friend and our ‘Statesman.’ I loved him.”
- PDG Monty Eggett (RY1999-01) noted, “We had an opportunity to visit briefly with Jim a day or two before Christmas. He was the Governor who immediately preceded me and he mentored me through my year. Additionally, I had the honored opportunity to work closely with Jim as we worked to completed John Scocroft’s year. Jim was an amazing Rotarian.
We spent a couple of weeks with Jim and Lena when they came on safari when we were serving as Humanitarian Missionaries in South Africa. Jim had served there as a young missionary so he was excited to revisit. Connie and I will miss him …he was a true friend.
- PDG Eugene Banks responded to word of his passing, “Jim has always been one of my favorites. He joined SLC Rotary and helped tremendously. For many years we traveled with them on a number of Rotary International trips for humanitarian work and he was always there. We loved him greatly and will miss him greatly.”
- DGN Judy Zone (RY2021-22) notes, “Seriously breaks my heart to hear this news. What a kind, thoughtful, intelligent man – what a trooper for Rotary.”
- DGE Linda Sappington (RY2020-21) remembers “Jim as ‘my governor’ when I was club president. A kind, thoughtful Rotarian and friend who always made it a point to seek me out to say Hi. He will be greatly missed in our ranks.”
- PDG Tom Powell responded, “What Rotary has lost, heaven has gained! What a great man and a true friend to all.”
- PDG Chris Simonsen recalls, “I was able to spend time this past week with Gov. Jim. We reminisced about the many service projects we participated in over the years. As Governor, he helped the Bountiful Rotary secure a Children’s Opportunity grant from RI for $15,500.00 which started Bountiful Rotary’s Coats for Kids. He and Lena loved to travel around the world. He had one more International trip planed for 2020 and was working hard to get his body ready for the journey. When He and Lena were gone seeing the world we would keep their dog “Grace”. A very spoiled pet!!
He was a great example of “Service Above Self” always willing to help where and when he could without the need for recognition. His latest accomplishment was helping the Bountiful Veterans Park Foundation secure property in Bountiful to build a Veterans Park.
I will miss him and our many chats about how we can help make our city, state, county and world a better place to live.”
- PDG Glade Hamilton states, “Jim was level-headed with a quiet strength always sought after. He was a sage in diplomacy, training and knowledge. He will be remembered in a loving way.”