James Lynn Spindler

LOGAN – James Lynn Spindler, born February 24th, 1931 in Brigham City, Utah to Thornton Frederick Spindler and Nina Christina Nelson Spindler, passed away February 22nd, 2017 two days short of his 86th birthday, his daughter Kris by his side.
Lynn spent his early years in Brigham City. He was the youngest of four children and raised by his mother, as his father died shortly after his birth. He attended Box Elder High School where he excelled in sports and academics. Lynn was a running back and captain of the Box Elder High School football team his senior year. He was known as “one of the fastest and shiftiest of the ball carriers.” In track he ran the 100-yard race in 9.9 seconds and the 220-yard dash in 22.2 seconds, a state record that was not broken for much of his life. In the fall of his senior year, he was named an all-state halfback and later awarded The Standard Examiner KLO gold watch and named Box Elder’s top athlete. In the Spring of 1949, Lynn graduated as the valedictorian of his class. Following high school, Lynn attended University of Utah on a football scholarship. He was a member of the Army Reserves and, after his first year, his education was put on hold to complete a tour of duty in the Korean War. He served as a sergeant in the army from 1951-1953. His years in the service afforded him additional opportunities to compete and win awards in swimming and track. When he returned to the University of Utah, he was unable to continue football due to an injury, but continued an award winning streak in swimming and track. In Salt Lake City, Lynn met the love of his life, Jacqueline Shirley Mickelson, a native of Logan. They married on January 9th, 1953. Lynn continued his education at University of Utah and worked at the VA Hospital to help support his new family. He graduated with a degree in mining engineering. In 1959, Lynn began a lifelong career as a builder, joining his father-in-law, a general contractor, at his business Mickelson Construction in Logan. Building projects included the Utah State University Stadium, the Spectrum, Sky View High School, and other numerous schools and church houses in and outside of Utah. In 1966, Lynn became an active partner in Mickelson Construction. In 1973, Lynn founded his own business, Spindler Construction. The company, family owned, still operates today and continues building projects in the Intermountain West. Lynn became a pilot in the 1960’s in order to accommodate out-of-town construction projects. He enjoyed aviation, acquired numerous airplanes, and passed the passion on to his sons. In his later years, he also became an avid golfer, earned two holes in one, and was President of Logan Golf and Country Club. He served his church as ward clerk and Elder’s Quorum President. He enjoyed traveling, trips to Europe, and visits to Jerusalem and the Middle East where he especially appreciated the architecture. Lynn was preceded in death by his beloved wife Jackie, grandson Shane, and his son Jim. He is survived by his daughters Jan Stevens (Gary) of Logan and Kris Gunnell (Carey) of Smithfield, son Mike Spindler (Pam) of Wellsville, nine grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at noon Tuesday, Feb. 28th, 2017, at the Allen-Hall Mortuary chapel, 34 E. Center St., in Logan. A viewing will be held Monday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the mortuary and prior to the services Tuesday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., also at the mortuary. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.allenmortuaries.com