President James E Faust, the second counselor in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, passed away this morning from natural causes. He has been serving in the First Presidency since 1995. He has served as a General Authority for thirty-five years. He was with his family when he passed away.
President Faust has been loved for the stories that he shared during his talks. These stories were wonderful illustrations of gospel principles. Many of the stories came from his personal life. He spent his life serving and helping others. In a recent talk he spoke about the power of the Priesthood and urged the young men to take the sacred responsibility seriously. During the last General Conference President Faust spoke from his wheel chair.
President Faust was born and raised in Utah. He served a mission to Brazil. He also served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. President Faust graduated from the University of Utah. Before he served full time in the church he was a lawyer. He has received numerous service awards and honors for his service throughout his life. In 1962 he was appointed to serve on the Lawyers’ Committee of Civil Rights. President Faust and his wife have five children, twenty-five grandchildren and twenty-eight great grandchildren.
I have always enjoyed the talks that President Faust has given. He was a wonderful storyteller. He was also gifted at illustrating gospel points and insight through his stories. His testimony has always touched my heart.
You can read more about his life by visiting the church’s website. You can also search to read many of the talks that he gave during his time of church service. He also wrote the home teaching message for this month. You can send condolences for his family to church headquarters.
Related Articles:
General Conference: “Message to My Grandsons”
General Conference: “Discipleship”
General Conference from the past: “Father, Come Home”