The founder and CEO of Salt Lake City’s Bodell Construction Co., James Huggard Bodell, died February 13 in Sandy, Utah, at age 90.

James founded Bodell Construction Co. with his four sons in 1972. Bodell Construction has built more than $1 billion in industrial and commercial projects throughout the western United States and Hawaii. Landmark projects include expansion of the Salt Palace Convention Center; renovation of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building; projects for the University of Utah, Utah State University and BYU Hawaii, as well as several power and industrial projects.

James was a decorated veteran of World War II in the Pacific Theater, where he served in the 5th U.S. Army Air Force as a dorsal machine gunner for a light-bombardment group. The 5th Army was responsible for the defense of Australia, operations in New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, the Philippines and participated in the occupation of Japan.

James held many positions in the LDS church, including bishop (twice) and served as a missionary (Liberia) and a Home Teacher.