Wm. James Mortimer | Newspaper publisher, 77

Wm. James Mortimer, 77, a former publisher of the Deseret News in Salt Lake City, died Thursday after an undisclosed long illness.

He was the Utah newspaper's publisher for 15 years before retiring in 2000. He was also general manager of both Deseret Press and Deseret Book and sometimes referred to himself as "Deseret Jim."

Mr. Mortimer did double duty as the newspaper's publisher and editor for 11 years before stepping away from his role as editor.

- AP