When Jim Telford first stepped onto Weber State University's campus in the fall of 1963, he never imagined it would take him more than half a century to earn his college degree. Growing up in Taylorsville, Utah, Jim enrolled in college courses after high school but within a few months was called to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Denmark. That time as a missionary, he described, was “the best experience in my life . . . it was the one thing that shaped my life.” Back then, the Church didn’t have a language training for Danish, so his mission was for 2 and a half years. The extra half year was to become proficient in speaking the Danish language.
After returning home from Denmark, Jim got married and began balancing school, work, and family responsibilities. As much as he valued education, it was always his fourth priority after faith, family, and providing for his household. “I’ve never not wanted to finish,” he explained. “It has been difficult in that my degree has been number four in importance . . . but I have always wanted to finish.”
Working in a successful career in real estate and banking, Jim helped in the organization of the real estate department for Zions Bank in the Provo, Utah, area. He and his wife, Terrie, raised their children, served their community, and even returned to Denmark as a senior missionary couple working with the young single adults (YSA) in the area. Through it all, though, the desire to finish his degree never left. “I attribute a lot of it to my wife. She encouraged me to keep going,” Jim explained.
Now at 78 years of age, thanks to the Bachelor of General Studies through BYU Continuing Education, Jim is just one class away from completing his degree. “I am not very good at school,” Jim admitted. Online courses in particular have been a test for his resolve. “I would much prefer sitting in a classroom, hearing it from an instructor . . . online has been hard. And you feel so alone at times.” In spite of these obstacles, Jim has continued to press forward, one class at a time, in honor of his late wife, who passed away earlier this year.
By completing his degree at his age, Jim hopes that his perseverance can set an example for his family. In fact, two of his grandchildren will be graduating from college alongside him and have looked to him as a model of resilience in spite of overwhelming obstacles. “They know that they can succeed because I’ve done it and they’ve seen me do it,” he said. “They’ve seen how it has not been easy for me, but I have done it and stayed with it, and that’s hopefully been an inspiration to them.”
For Jim, receiving an education has been more than just a diploma; it’s a way of showing his children and grandchildren what it means to be committed, no matter how long it takes. It has also been deeply tied to his faith. He’s fully embraced BYU’s unique blend of spiritual and secular learning and plans to continue taking courses even after graduation. “I plan to continue taking religion classes,” he said. “My wife and I took classes together, and we thoroughly enjoyed those.”
As Jim finishes his final classes, he can finally see the end is in sight. His journey has been long and at times discouraging, but it has been incredibly rewarding. Jim’s message to anyone considering coming back to school is both simple and powerful: “Keep going. You won’t regret it.” After all, knowledge is the one thing you can take with you, right?