James "Jimmer" Martin Elegante

James “Jimmer” Elegante was a man for all seasons who seemed to do everything—and do it well. He set out on his next adventure in the early morning hours of April 8, 2026 as Julie and Leo bid him a tearful farewell.

He was born January 26, 1947, in Provo, Utah to James T. Elegante and Martina Matekovic Elegante. From his earliest years he seemed drawn to learning in all its forms. Language, ideas, and people fascinated him, and that curiosity stayed with him throughout his life. He became a linguist, a pilot, a polka and ballroom dancer, a theologian, and an international business attorney—always learning, always exploring, always becoming.

Jimmer moved easily between worlds. He could be discussing language or philosophy one moment and telling a great family story the next. He noticed things others might miss and had a way of bringing people into the moment with him. His stories were rarely rushed—they unfolded, wandered, and stayed with you.

He loved to be in motion—flying his plane, surfing, skiing on either snow or water, hiking, or traveling the world. But just as often, life with him centered around the kitchen or the table. With simple ingredients, he created meals that felt like an occasion, and gathering people together was part of the joy.

In 1982 Jimmer married Angie (Mary Angela) Gabardi and their short union was blessed with two wonderful children: Marco in 1986, and Lucia in 1989.

On August 9, 2007, the sun shined on James when he met Julie Peters ZoBell. He fell in love with her during their first dance class and they continued dancing together for the next 19 years. They married on July 8, 2010 and welcomed Leo on November 15, 2013. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Saint George Temple on August 31, 2024.

Later in life, Jimmer surprised just about everyone who knew him—including himself—by joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He embraced it in the same way he approached everything else: by learning deeply, serving generously, and sharing his talents. He especially loved serving as the Ward Choir Director. Music was a constant in his life. He loved it broadly and deeply—from opera to the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, to the more obscure—and he shared that love freely with others.

He was a strategist and a problem solver extraordinaire, a teacher at heart, and always his own man. He never stopped learning, never stopped questioning, and never quite did things the expected way.

He is survived by his wife, Julie; children, Marco (Reese), Lucia (Wyatt), and Leo; Julie’s children, Zachary (Brealynn) ZoBell, Jeremy ZoBell, Gavin (Paige) ZoBell, and their beloved grandchildren; Ellie, Luke, Jones, and Lucy; and dozens of cousins.

We would like to thank Pathway Hospice & Palliative Care for their tender care during his last days, Dr. Caldwell, Kaylie, Sue, and Kassi.

A funeral/celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 11:00 am, at the Red Cliffs 1st Ward Chapel, 625 East Center Street, Ivins, Utah. Friends may visit with the family on Monday, April 13, from 6:00-8:00 pm at Metcalf-Bonzo Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd., St. George, Utah, and Tuesday, April 14, from 9:30 am -10:30 am prior to services at the chapel. Interment will be in the Tonaquint Cemetery, St. George, Utah.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of Jimmer’s favorite causes: (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints BYU Pathways West Africa) www.byupathway.edu

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Bonzo Mortuary, (435) 673-4221. Please visit our website at www.metcalfmortuary.com to share memories and condolences.

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Jimmer's Funeral Service