James “Karl” Ivory, 57, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2021, surrounded by his family.
Karl was born on December 21, 1963 to James (Jim) and Dorothy (Dot) Ivory. He grew up in Fountain Green, Utah where he developed his love of the outdoors, hunting and farming.
Karl had many opportunities to gain and grow a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He served a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Argentina Cordoba Mission. Shortly after his return, he married Cynthia (Cindy) Christensen in the Manti Utah temple on September 4, 1986. Together they raised one son (Courtney) and three beautiful daughters (Larissa, Kacylia, and Karina). Karl was an active participant in the lives of his wife and children and could often be found at wrestling meets, football games, volleyball matches, and track meets. Karl and Cindy travelled the Intermountain West and across the United States to visit national parks, church history sites, and other points of interest. They even visited Tokyo, Japan to learn more about his mother-in-law’s ancestry. Karl loved to see the temple and all itineraries for these family trips included stops at each temple in the area. He tried to attend as many temples as possible, even if it was just to walk the grounds.
Karl could often be found outdoors whether it was for work or recreation. He attended Southern Utah State College and Utah State University to obtain a degree in rangeland management. He has spent the last 33 years of his career working for the Bureau of Land Management out of the Price Field Office in various capacities. Karl developed many meaningful relationships through his employment as a rangeland management specialist. Karl was an avid hunter and had many opportunities to appreciate the law of the harvest. He was always a sportsman and preferred to hunt with a muzzleloader, harvesting trophy Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, elk, moose, and antelope. He used this pastime to develop and maintain many important relationships including those with friends, nieces, nephews, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, and his parents. Karl also truly loved farming. He was happy to participate in all phases of working the hay and wheat fields in Fountain Green, Utah with his father, Jim.
Karl was a natural leader and developed those characteristics while holding both secular and ecclesiastical roles throughout his life. From Student Body President at North Sanpete High School, bishoprics, high councils, bishop and finally stake presidencies, Karl exemplified a keen sense of confidence and integrity. This allowed him to be effective in each role he was asked to perform. He had a particular fondness for the Scouting program and working with the youth. Karl spent many years working with the youth to help them learn and grow to love the outdoors, service and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was able to influence many lives as a result of his involvement in the Scouting and youth programs.
Karl battled a chronic auto-immune liver disease for the last 20 years, which ultimately led to a liver transplant in July 2020. While the transplant was successful, he had a relapse of the liver disease. His fight with this condition was described by one of his doctor’s as “courageous,” “brave,” and “resilient.” We are forever grateful to Karl’s sister, Tracy Stewart, for affording us more time with Karl through her partial liver donation. A special thank you to Jody Hale (cousin) and family for their contributions to Karl and Cindy throughout the last 18 months. The family would also like to express their gratitude to the many nurses and doctors who cared for Karl throughout this illness.
Karl is loved by many and respected by all. He will be sorely missed.
Karl is survived by his wife, Cindy; their four children, Courtney (Brandi) Ivory (Hurricane, UT), Larissa (Mike) Terry (Price, UT), Kacylia (Kaleb) Kulow (Cedar City, UT), and Karina (Gavin) Jolley (Price, UT); 11 grandchildren, Kambri, Titus, Brynn, Trace, Talmage, Easton, Emilia, Taysom, Oliver, Austyn, Brooklyn, and two more on the way; parents, Jim and Dot Ivory (Fountain Green, UT); siblings, Tracy (Don) Stewart (Leeds, UT), Wes (Carey) Ivory (Fountain Green, UT), Brenda (Ben) Cole (Salem, UT), Brandon (Amy) Ivory (Fountain Green, UT), and Daniel (Kim) Clyde (Payson, UT).
Preceded in death by his grandparents, Claire and Donna Ivory, Ray and Nedra Swensen; in-laws, Richard and Toyoko Christensen, and Cheston Madsen.
Funeral service, Wednesday, November 24, 2021, 10:00 a.m., Price Utah Stake Center (150 South 500 East) where the family will receive friends Tuesday (November 23, 2021) evening from 5:00-7:00 p.m. and one hour prior to services on Wednesday, both at the stake center. Graveside service, 2:30 p.m., Fountain Green Cemetery, Fountain Green, Utah. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home where family and friends are welcome daily and may leave memories of Karl online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.