From Deseret News archives:

Thousands gather to say farewell to President James E. Faust

Published: Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2007 4:46 p.m. MDT
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Bishop Faust recalled a General Conference address in which his father shared thoughts penned during a particularly trying time in Argentina. With emotion in his voice, he read from his father's talk, recalling a "fleeting feeling of being forsaken. Then being reinforced a hundred fold I have climbed a spiritual Mount Sinai dozens of times seeking to communicate and receive instructions.

"It has been as though I have struggled up an almost real Mount of Transfiguration and upon occasion felt great strength and power in the presence of the Divine. A special sacred feeling has been a sustaining influence and often a close companion."

Bishop Faust said serving with President Hinckley in the First Presidency had been "the greatest joy of his ministry," and thanked President Monson and the other General Authorities for their friendship and expressions of love.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir provided music for the service and sang as a closing hymn and tribute "This is the Christ," which was written by President Faust. Beloved among Latter-day Saints, it describes Jesus Christ and the reality of His role as Redeemer of the world.

President Faust was set apart as second counselor to President Hinckley on March 12, 1995, and served there for nearly 12 1/2 years. He was ordained an apostle on Oct. 1, 1978, at the age of 58, and served in the Quorum of the Twelve for 16 years.

His physical mobility had been limited the past several years, and he delivered remarks from a seated position.

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During his years as a general authority, he was president of the church's international mission, general authority adviser for South America, executive director of the Church Curriculum Department, director of Welfare Services and editor of the church's three monthly magazines. He also had served as managing director for the Melchizedek Priesthood MIA.

President Faust was sustained as an Assistant to the Twelve on Oct. 6, 1972. He was called to the Presidency of the First Quorum of the Seventy in 1976.

Previous to his full-time church service, he practiced law in Salt Lake City from 1948 until his call to be a general authority in 1972. He had served as president of the Utah Bar Association from 1962-63 and as a Democratic representative in the Utah Legislature from 1949-51. While a legislator, he also served as chairman of the House liquor investigation committee.

He was characterized as a high school football letterman, a husband, father, church leader and the "family Google" by the BYU Management Society when he was honored with its "Distinguished Utahn" award in 2006.

His daughter, Janna R. Coombs, called him "a great family patriarch," who taught his children and grandchildren from the experiences of his "rich and righteous life," after he received that award.

President Faust met his wife, Ruth Wright, while attending Granite High. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on April 21, 1943.

He kept in regular contact with his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Ruth, and five children.


E-mail: carrie@desnews.com

Recent comments

My mother once told me a story how at a stake conference, Pres. Faust...

Emily C. | Nov. 5, 2007 at 4:55 p.m.

Hello Fellow Children God,
I am humbled before you all and i say...

Bro.Robert A.Mettle-Nunoo | Aug. 24, 2007 at 3:42 a.m.

Thank You Elder Faust

Gordon Laurie | Aug. 22, 2007 at 11:57 p.m.

Image

President Gordon B. Hinckley, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (center), sits next to his First Counselor Thomas S. Monson (at left) and the empty chair of his late Second Counselor James E. Faust during the funeral Tuesday of President Faust at the Tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake City.

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