James Bayer

James Archie Bayer, age 83 of Vernal, Utah passed away at his home on November 14, 2012. He was born in Houston, Texas on June 16, 1929. James served in the US Navy for 2 years at China Lake on the Flight Line and as a firefighter. He also managed recreation for returning troops. He worked in various jobs, including auto upholstery at Lincoln Ford in Houston and Frank Bayers Auto. He was a heavy equipment mechanic at Stauffer in California before transferring to the Vernal Plant in 1974, retiring from Wheeler Machinery in Vernal. He loved the outdoors, fishing, camping and riding horses. He was a member of the Vernal Rod and Gun Club and the Trona Gun Club and a member of the Uintah Baptist Cowboy Church. James loved to go fast. He raced Pumpkin Seed boats in Texas where he was rated #2. He also raced boats at the Salton Sea 500 and at Lake Mead. He is survived by his longtime companion; Kathleen Shoemaker, children; Rocky Bayer of Vernal, Jody (Mike) Rescola of Washington, and Jamie (Rodger) VanBuren also of Washington, 3 sisters, 4 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 1, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at the Uintah Baptist Cowboy Church in Ft Duchesne. Services were entrusted to the care of the Blackburn Vernal Mortuary.