1906 ~ 2003

James Armont Willardsen, 97, passed away on May 18, 2003 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

He was born on January 11, 1906 in Ephraim, Utah to James Louis and Margaret Annie Embley. He married Dorothy Beck on October 14, 1929 in Blackfoot, Idaho. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple.

He was known throughout Utah for his instrumental and vocal music, having taught school for 42 years. He organized and directed the Salt Lake Symphonic choir in 1949, when his South High School A'Cappella students chose to continue beyond their graduation. The choir has performed annually, toured all over the United States and Canada, recorded albums, and performed with the Utah Symphony Orchestra. The choir was the first to perform the Battle Hymn of the Republic. Armont also put together and conducted the annual "turning on of the lights" at the LDS Temple grounds, where over 4000 students would herald the beginning of the Christmas season.

He is survived by a son, Monte J. Willardsen, Taylorsville, Utah; daughters Caroleen Willardsen, Taylorsville, Utah; and Lynda Rasmussen, Roseville, California; 11 grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy, Salt Lake City, Utah; and Becke Tibbitts, his daughter, in Provo, Utah.

A viewing will be held Thursday, May 22, at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E. 1300 S., from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday May 23, at the Granite Stake Center, 2005 S. 900 E. Viewing at 10:30, funeral at Noon.

All former South High Choir members are invited to sing in a special concert to Armont at the funeral service. Come at 11:00 to practice the songs.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to South High's Alumni and Scholarship Endowment Fund, in the name of Armont and Dorothy Willardsen.

Interment, Salt Lake City Cemetery.