Wm. James Mortimer, publisher of the Deseret News, was presented the Boy Scouts' Distinguished Citizen Award from the Great Salt Lake Council by President Thomas S. Monson, first counselor in the First Presidency, on Sept. 19.
The Distinguished Citizen Award is given by the council to someone who has exemplified, through service to the community, the principles of good citizenship and leadership that encourages people to serve one another.Brother Mortimer of the Wasatch 5th Ward, Salt Lake Wasatch Stake, was recognized as a willing, diligent and effective business, community, Church and family leader.
"You've chosen the right man to honor," President Monson said as he addressed the dinner at a Salt Lake hotel where the award was presented. "Jim always comes through. He's a people man. People love him, and he loves people."
Continuing, President Monson said, "If you want to see the quality of a man, note how he regards his parents." He then told how Brother Mortimer has cared for his and his wife's parents in their later years. "He knows how to regard people from all walks of life and all ages."
President Monson said Brother Mortimer personified duty, and described him "as a willing worker. It is a joy working with someone who is willing. He is a diligent worker, he is an effective worker."
The fourth recipient of the award, Brother Mortimer is a member of the Great Salt Lake Council's executive committee, where he has served for more than 25 years and has been the vice president of Boy Scouting, vice president of finance, chairman of the Scout-O-Rama and co-author of the council's "Six Unacceptables" program. The program relates relevant values of the Boy Scouts to immediate community needs, targeting drug abuse, child abuse, illiteracy, unemployment, hunger and environmental concerns.
A graduate of Utah State University and Columbia University, Brother Mortimer began his journalism career with the Deseret News in 1957. He later moved on to a career in printing before returning to the Deseret News as president and publisher in 1985. He has served as a regional representative, stake president and bishop. Currently he is a patriarch in his home stake and the three University of Utah married student stakes. He has also been involved in many capacities in community service.