On October 3, 2022, our beloved grandfather, father, and husband, James Arthur Dugovic, 94, passed away in his home after finishing his tasks in this mortal life.
James “Jim” Arthur Dugovic was born on February 18, 1928, as the second child of Frank “Fred” and Ethel May Winn Dugovic. They lived in Fresno California. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1946 and went on to Fresno City College earning a degree in Computers. That was when computers were the size of a warehouse. He worked at a variety of jobs throughout his life, but his favorite occupation, and hobby, was that of a pilot. He flew several airplanes as a private pilot for many years and was proud to let us know that he still had his Pilot license at 94 years of age. He also had his Driver’s license into his 90’s.
Jim signed up for the draft and he was preparing to go to war, so he sold all his stuff. He was informed that the draft quota was filled, but since he and his cousin, Jerry Philips, had sold all their belongings preparing to go to war…they both went down and voluntarily enlisted in the United States Army. He served honorably in the Korean War and is a true patriot.
They moved from California to Utah and have resided in Springville for the past 29 years. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held several callings throughout the years. Jim and his wife, Mary Lee, served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the North Carolina Raleigh mission from 2002-2004. Although we will miss him, we will treasure the stories and memories that will live in our hearts forever. One of his best stories is how he fought for life and shared stories with everyone up to the end of his life. We know he has been reunited with his parents, siblings, and his eldest son, James Arthur Dugovic II who preceded him in death.
Jim is survived by his wife, Mary Lee Dugovic, and his children, Cynthia “Cyd” Roberts, Lee Ann (Rod) Cross, Timothy (Gretchen) Dugovic, Jill Gullickson, Nancy (Michael) Torres, and Kyle (Laura) Dugovic. Jim has 22 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
There will be a viewing on Friday, October 7, 2022, from 6-8 pm at the Spring Creek Utah County Mortuary, 737 N Main St, Springville, UT. On Saturday, October 8, 2022, there will be a viewing from 9:30-10:30 am at the Spring Creek 5th Ward building 860 E 200 N Springville, UT. The service will follow at 11 am.