James Carl Tarantino

James Carl Tarantino, 76, of Richfield, Utah, passed away Friday, 8 February 2013. James was born in Gilroy, Calif. on June 30, 1936 to James Vincent and Beatrice Pauline Bowen Tarantino. He graduated from Gilroy High School in 1954, and attended Hartnell College, after which he served two years in the U.S. Navy. James was active in the Arts. He began publicly performing at age three, played the piano beautifully, and sang and acted with the San Francisco Opera for 15 seasons. James was a Master Gardener, world traveler, gourmand, home decorator, and collector of fine art and artifacts. James served in various LDS wards, often as choir director. He coached and encouraged many in their artistic pursuits and created a musical production “A Night at the Opera”, in which he showcased church members’ talents in popular operatic scenes. He influenced many with his artistic abilities, his wit and deep empathy. James is survived by his former wife Anna Springer of Richfield; daughter Anja (James) Lowe of Morgan; son Tristram Tarantino of Salt Lake City, Sister Marjeanne Amanze of Sparks, Nev.; brother Kevin Bowen of Orlando; and sister Joann (Robert) Bolei of Las Vegas. He is also survived by five grandchildren. A memorial service in James’s honor will be held on Saturday, Feb 23 at 11am at the Richfield East LDS Stake Center, 800 North 500 East in Richfield, where friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the services. Burial will be in the Gilroy California Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.