It is with deep sorrow that the IAFF is reporting the death of Professional Fire Fighters of Utah President Emeritus and Utah AFL-CIO President Jim Judd.

Judd had just attended the 6th Annual IAFF-MG Motorcycle Rally in Butte, Montana, attended by 800 IAFF members. He was returning home when he lost control of his motorcycle, veering into the median. When he tried to bring the bike back onto the road, it flipped. The wreck caused severe head trauma, and Judd died late Friday morning of his injuries in a Missoula, Montana, hospital.

“Jim Judd wasn’t just a great person he was a dear personal friend. I was honored to know him for so many years and fortunate to be able to spend time with him this past week at the Motorcycle Rally,” General President Harold Schaitberger said.

“Jim’s tragic death will be felt by so many people whose lives he touched throughout his long and accomplished career as a fire fighter and a union leader. Jim’s death is a huge loss for fire fighters and workers in Utah. He had so much yet to give. But because Jim did accomplish so much as an IAFF leader and a leader within the state AFL-CIO, his legacy will be with us for generations to come. Our hearts go out to Jim’s wonderful wife, Jill, and their entire family. The thoughts and prayers of the entire IAFF are with them.”

Judd had been a union member for more than 40 years, beginning as Teamster in 1970. Brother Judd joined the Ogden Fire Department and Ogden Local 1654 in 1977. He became the local president two years later.
Judd continued his service to the labor movement as the president of the Professional Fire Fighters of Utah from 1985 to 2011. For more than 15 years, he served on the Executive Board of the Utah AFL-CIO and became the president in 2007. He also served as the Vice-Chair of the Utah Democratic Party.

Jim sat on numerous IAFF Convention Committees and was also a long-time member of the IAFF Standing Committee on Occupational Safety and Health.

Jim is survived his wonderful wife Jill, six children – Jennifer, Bridget, Stephanie, Sean, Nicholas and Jocelyn – and 17 grandchildren.

The IAFF will post information regarding funeral arrangements when it becomes available.