He was born Dec. 26, 1957 in Monticello, Utah, to James Keith and Karen Alexander Slavens.
He graduated from San Juan High School, where he served as Student Body President.
He served in the Missouri, Independence Mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a Traveling AP. He graduated from Brigham Young University and earned a Juris Doctorate from the University of Idaho, where he was the editor-in-chief of the Law Review.
Jim was proud of being an Eagle Scout. He is a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
He enjoyed coaching and was a great mentor for others.
As an attorney, Jim represented thousands, many for free. His passion for the Constitution and acceptance at all courts allowed him to argue a case at the U.S. Supreme Court in 2009.
But most of all, he loved and cherished his family. He will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife, Melanie Ann Slavens, of Fillmore, Utah; children, James Adam (Chrissy) Slavens of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Alexa Slavens of Orem, Utah, Tanner Slavens, Gracie Slavens, Grant Slavens, all of Fillmore, Kelton Stewart, of Orem, Jaycee (Taylor) Stewart of Fillmore, Devin Stewart of St. George, Utah, Cortney Stewart of St. George; parents, James Keith and Karen Alexander Slavens of Blanding, Utah; grandmother, Doris Alexander of Centerville, Utah; siblings, Gary (Jane) Slavens of Mapleton, Utah, Beverly (Jerry) Redd of Alpine, Utah, Heidi (Mitchell) Williams of Hutchinson, Kan., Suzie Mitchell of Aurora, Colo., Billy Slavens of Blanding, Johnny (Glenna) Slavens of Allen, Texas; and three grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Dec. 17, 2012 in Fillmore. Interment services in the Blanding City Cemetery were Dec. 18.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.rasmussenmortuary.com.