Michael James Bishop

Life Sketch | Michael James Bishop

Born: May 4, 1968, Long Beach, CA – Returned Home: September 4, 2025, Logan, UT

Michael James Bishop was a proud native of California, born to Earl LeRoy and Jrean Louise Bishop. His father passed away just months before his birth, and Michael was lovingly raised in Lakewood, California, by his devoted mother, along with the tender care of his grandmother, Rosemary Louise Will, and his great-aunt, Adah Dorothy James.

Michael was the youngest of three children. His sister Kim was five years older, and his brother Gordon just two years ahead. He brought a quiet love that his mother and family needed. Michael and Gordon grew up inseparable, sharing a bedroom from infancy until Gordon departed on a mission when Michael was 17. As teenagers, they shared a successful lawn-mowing enterprise. Their bond remained close throughout life.

Michael’s childhood was filled with energy, curiosity, and accomplishment. He attended Oliver Wendel Holmes Elementary, Herbert Hoover Junior High, and David Starr Jordan High School in Long Beach. Along the way, he developed a love for music and art, expressing himself through drawing, movies, drumming, models, and building things. He loved skateboarding and built several half-pipes, enjoying every moment on his board.

As a boy, Michael was active in Boy Scouts, attending scout camps at Camp Tahquitz in Big Bear with Troop 56. He built lifelong friendships through school, church, and his neighborhood, always at ease with his siblings’ friends as well as his own.

Michael’s first job in food service at Round Table Pizza sparked a lasting love for cooking. Later, he was a screen-printer, built medical research devices, and made security holograms. He found his true professional calling at Utah State University, where he faithfully worked for nearly 20 years at the IT Service Desk. His colleagues and the countless students and staff he helped will remember him for his patience, skill, and kindness.

Michael’s greatest joy came in his family. While living in Logan, Utah, he met and fell in love with Sarabeth (Sally) Sproat. They were sealed in the St. George Utah Temple in the fall of 1990 and lived in Logan. Together they built the best life they could for Jordan, Serena, and Samantha. He loved his family deeply and worked hard at being the husband and father he wanted to be.

Michael also gave years of service to his faith. He served an LDS mission in Calgary, Canada, during the 1988 Winter Olympics—and managed to use his love of skateboarding to make connections. He freely shared his love of God with people who he thought could use that hope and comfort.

Michael carried the burden of addiction for many years, and in the end, it affected his health in ways he could not overcome. In honoring him, his family shares this not to define him, but to lift up the importance of compassion, nonjudgment, and evidence-based care for those who struggle. May his memory be a light to others—that no one has to walk their path alone. If you or someone you love is facing substance misuse or other mental health symptoms, support is available through the SAMHSA Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.

HIs life was one of quiet strength, faith, and determination. It was also full of fun, loud music, good movies, and good food. He loved all things superhero, Tolkien, and the latest films. He loved his childhood pets, Ping the duck and Fluffer the dog. He had pet snakes, fish who noticed when he walked past the tank, and the Jack Russel he always dreamed of, Jackie, who we adopted 10 years ago. He leaves behind a legacy of love for his family, loyalty to his friends, and dedication to his work and church. He will be remembered as a son, brother, husband, father, and disciple of Christ whose influence continues in the lives of those he touched.

He leaves behind his wife Sally Bishop, and their children Jordan, Serena (Donny), and Samantha, and granddaughter Serenity, who affectionately called him her “Grumpy”; his mother, Jrean Bishop; his sister Kim (Kevin) Ausen; his brother Gordon (Tara) Bishop; nieces, nephews, and friends.

A memorial will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, in Logan, for friends and family. Please contact anyone in the family if you would like to attend, so we can plan accordingly. We would love to see you.