If Jim Mortimer had chosen a motto, he may well have picked: "It's not what you do, it's what you get done." In job after job, calling after calling and task after task he was more than a "doer," he was a "get it doner." His accomplishments could fill a half-dozen obituaries — one for each of the roles he chose in life.
Mortimer passed away at age 77 on Thursday. And his life has now come full circle.
As publisher of the Deseret News for 15 years, he is best remembered today for being the driving force behind the stylish and sturdy Deseret News building on 100 South. But his legacy really runs much deeper. He was a master of the common touch, often singing "Happy Birthday" to unsuspecting staffers and going from desk to desk — with his famous smile — to offer encouragement and support.
Like many who choose careers in the world of words, he had hundreds of stories to share — tales ranging from his stint in Korea during the war to telling moments with legendary LDS leaders. In editorial board meetings, he often read letters from readers aloud, commenting as he went.
He cherished making connections. And he developed a skill for making them that helped him in all other areas of his life. He worked with Deseret Press as a general manager and also at Deseret Book. He served on panels that worked on LDS hymn books and scriptures and worked hand-in-glove with the Salt Lake City Chamber and Utah Press Association. Always a bundle of energy, he also wrote stake histories, guided the Salt Lake Kiwanis and joyfully performed dozens of other duties and services.
But for past employees of the Deseret News, Mortimer's contribution always will be personal. He insisted on that. More than a cockeyed optimist, he was a dry-eyed optimist. He didn't wink at the negative aspects of life, he simply knew there was a better way and he pledged his time and talents to making that better way a reality.
Even toward the end of his life, when he was hobbled and riddled with ailments and pain, photos show him wearing a grin and paying complete attention to others.
Even in his passing, he showed others the proper way to deal with adversity.
He did more than make lemonade from lemons.
He took lemons and convinced all those around him to regard them as blessings.