James Webster Muir

James Webster Muir, age one hundred and a half, passed on to loved ones in Heaven on July 14, 2025. James was born on January 11, 1925, in Loa, Utah, to James Jennings Muir and Alice May Webster. At an early age, they moved to Hayward, California. At the age of 17, he met his eternal love, Beverly Jo Squires, and married three years later in the Salt Lake City Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They celebrated 70 years of marriage on May 25, 2016.

James & Beverly had two children, Melinda and William. Despite his active life, he always prioritized his family. As an example of his family dedication, he was offered the head coaching position at a California college. He turned it down because he felt it would require too much time away from his family. James is survived by his brother, Eugene Muir; two children; nine grandchildren; and twenty-two great-grandchildren.

James excelled in sports from a young age. He set high school city track records in Oakland, California, and was the star quarterback all four years at Castlemont High School. He then went on to the University of California, Berkeley, where he played four years as a quarterback and defensive back. He played first string for the Bears in his last three years. WW II interrupted his college football. He served in the Navy before returning to UC Berkeley, where he played quarterback, and subsequently graduated with a 4-year degree. He was then the head football coach at Campbell High School for 10 years. In the summers, he worked for USP in San Jose as a supervisor over the purchase of fruit from the farmers. His high school football team won the championship during half of his coaching years. Although he was a remarkably successful athlete and coach, he remained humble about his successes.

After his 10th year of coaching, going undefeated, he wanted to spend more time with his family. So, he became a high school dean and counselor until his 60s. He received his master’s degree from San Jose State while working. For most of his working years, he lived in Scotts Valley, California, on an eight-acre parcel of land in the redwood forest. He and Beverly went on many trips throughout the world. He always had a close affiliation with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He retired a few years early to sell real estate with Beverly. They moved to Prunedale, California, where he developed an enormous garden, nearly half an acre. In his retired years, he would typically spend more than 10 hours a day tending to his garden. He found physical labor to be a joy. His garden fed many people who were in need. They moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, in his mid-90s, where his beloved wife died shortly thereafter. He remained independent until the age of 99, living in his own house, maintaining his yard work, driving his car, and attending to his own needs. At age one hundred and a half, he quietly passed away in his bed.

He held true to the values of his church and magnified his many leadership positions. He was a High Counselor, Branch President, and the first Bishop in Ben Lomand, California. He left to serve as a missionary in his 70s. He was a temple worker at the age of 98. Even at the age of 98, he would frequently assist other members of the church by physically helping them move, carrying boxes and furniture. The best way to describe him was a man of consistent, pure integrity. He was faithful to his temple covenants and an example to all. He was universally well-liked for his authentic, friendly, and generous nature. In addition, he raised two foster children and three Vietnamese refugees. Jim was a compassionate person who opened his home and heart to many.

Though embraced in heaven, he will be dearly missed by the many who love and admire him here on earth. A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 2, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 7401 Smoke Ranch Rd, Las Vegas, Nevada 89128, followed by his burial at 11:30 a.m. at Palm Northwest Mortuary & Cemetery, 6701 N. Jones Blvd, Las Vegas, Nevada 89131.