J. Golden Kimball

Jonathan Golden Kimball was born June 9, 1853, in Salt Lake City, Utah, a son of Heber C. Kimball and Christeen Golden. He served in the Southern States Mission, both as a missionary and president. He was ordained a Seventy on July 21, 1886, and sustained as one of the First Seven Presidents on April 5, 1892.

Some regard J. Golden Kimball as a type of folk hero. His plain-spoken manner and self-deprecating style endeared him to many who heard him speak. He was sometimes known to use course humor and even mildly swear in his discourse. When radio broadcasts began, some people were concerned about his choice of language. (When once asked if he was afraid that his language would get him kicked out of the Church, Kimball is reported to have replied, "I can't be cut off the Church; I repent too damn fast!")

J. Golden Kimball died in an automobile accident on September 2, 1938, near Reno, Nevada. He was 85 years old.