Ask and it will be given to you: seek and you will find: knock and the door will be open to you. Matthew 7:7
In Loving Memory of
Sarah Elizabeth Knapp
Remembering Sarah’s Life, Love, and Legacy
Sarah Elizabeth Knapp, born March 3, 1995, passed away June 18, 2025 from complications during childbirth. She is survived by a beautiful infant son, Theodore (Theo - whose name means Gift From God), the love of her life, Austin; brothers Andrew and Thomas, sister Anna Skjei (Logan), father Phil Knapp (Yelena) and mother Elizabeth Weidow (Vern) in-laws Juliette and Kent, and sister-in-law Jasmine Cluster, along with many extended family members.
Sarah will be remembered for her soft voice, kind heart, fiery red hair, and gifted artistic talent. Sarah’s life leaves her many friends and family celebrating and admiring how strong, positive, and brave she was. Her kindness. love, and joyful outlook on life - despite many challenges - was universally admired by her family. She was quick to meet people where they were at in their lives with compassion and understanding.
Sarah grew up in Idaho, and lived briefly in California and Montana before settling in Utah, where she met the love of her life, Austin. It was her greatest joy in life to be by his side in everything, culminating in her greatest achievement and legacy, the birth of their beautiful son, who has her lips and Austin’s nose.
If there are word that best describe Sarah, they would be kind, loyal, sweet, humble, brave, strong, and stubborn. She had a habit of giving little acts of kindness to people in her life. The last thing she did as she was being prepped for high risk delivery in the delivery room was to give a gift to her surgeon - chocolates and a card - because, as she told him, “Doctors don’t get thanked enough.” Her last words were to Theo and Austin a brief moment after Theo’s birth - they were "I love you.”
She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Theo will grow up hearing stories of his mother, who is watching over him with the same loving kindness that touched so many.
Funeral Services
Funeral Services will be held at First Baptist Church of Bountiful, UT (1915 S. Orchard Drive, Bountiful UT, 84010) at 1100am, Saturday, June 28th. Sarah will be buried afterwards at Bountiful Cemetery.
Sarah's many friends arranged a GoFundMe to support Austin and Theo in their time of grief, and to share additional pictures of their happy time together:
Flowers can be directed to First Baptist Church of Bountiful, 1915 S. Orchard Drive, Bountiful UT 84010.
Welcoming All Who Seek to Foster Happiness, Harmony, and Peace on Earth
We invite you to join us on a deeper spiritual walk with the Lord, as we strive to embody Christ like attributes in our daily lives.
Legacy of Faith and Community
Sixty-five years ago, several families in Bountiful, who were members of the First Baptist Church in Salt Lake City, passionately advocated for a church in their own community. Dr. Fenwick Fowler, the pastor of the Salt Lake First Baptist Church, envisioned this extension church and tasked Warren Vinz, hired as Associate Minister in 1957, with organizing a congregation in Bountiful.
On September 14, 1957, the First Baptist Church held its inaugural meeting in Bountiful as a mission church, with around 100 members gathering at South Davis Junior High School. This marked the birth of Bountiful First Baptist. Excitement filled the air as they secured property on Orchard Drive, anticipating future city growth. Groundbreaking ceremonies on November 3, 1957, saw over 100 attendees. Church members dedicated evenings to construction, and on May 17, 1959, they proudly moved into their new church home.
The original charter, signed by 32 members, grew over the years, welcoming 497 individuals into the church family by 2010. This thriving congregation became a cherished community for many, with ministers echoing that it was the best church they had ever served.
Our Mission Statement
At Bountiful First Baptist Church, our mission is to support our community with a spirit of faith in God and a common worship among our members. Our dedication to educational and charitable activities is aimed at bringing happiness and harmony through faith in God and reflecting core values.
Minister Jim Gunnuscio
Hello,
My name is
Jim Gunnuscio, and I was born and raised in Utah. My family owned a farm in Centerville, where we lived in one of the four farmhouses on the street. After my parents sold the farm, we moved to Bountiful, transitioning from rural to suburban living. I graduated from Viewmont High School and later lived in Southern California, specifically the Long Beach area. During that time, I attended Westminster College for two years, focusing on Social Work.
While working at the old department store Grand Central on 9th South and State Street, I met MaryAnn Pearce, who would become the love of my life. We got married in December 1979 and have made our home in Woods Cross for the past 40 years. Together, we have been blessed with seven children – three boys and four girls – and fifteen grandchildren. However, we also experienced the loss of our second-to-youngest daughter, Joanie, at the age of five.
In 2007, I felt a calling to enter full-time ministry. I audited classes at the then Salt Lake Theological Seminary before enrolling in the Vine Institute, where I earned my certification in Christian Leadership. Additionally, I completed all classes for Lay ministry and biblical teaching at the Rocky Mountain School of Ministry, receiving my Ordination in Christian Commissioning in Pulpit Ministry and Chaplaincy from the Church of the Risen Christ in 2016.
My wife and I eagerly anticipate this next chapter as I take on the role of Pastor at First Baptist Church in Bountiful. I see it as a blessing to assist the church in realizing its vision for the future and to share the love of Christ with the community.
In addition to my pastoral duties, I also work as a Grief Counselor for Aspire Home Health and Hospice and assist the Alzheimer’s Association with a monthly virtual grief group.
In my leisure time, I enjoy fishing, hiking, gardening, and cooking – activities that connect me to my Italian heritage and provide daily blessings from the Lord.
Blessings,
Pastor Jim
Please contact Pastor Jim at
(385) 777-9057 if you would like to schedule time to meet with him.
Chesterton Academy
Chesterton Academy of Northern Utah is part of the Chesterton Schools Network based in Minneapolis. An apostolate of the Society of Gilbert Keith Chesterton, the Chesterton Schools Network aims to inspire and encourage parent-led Catholic schools across the nation. The Network offers consulting services, templates for evaluating interest and operating a school, and the Chesterton Academy curriculum framework.
Missionary Outreach
At Bountiful First Baptist Church, we proudly extend our support to various local missions, embodying our commitment to serving those in need within our community. Through partnerships with organizations. we actively contribute to initiatives that provide essential resources and support to individuals and families facing challenges. Together, we strive to make a positive impact and spread God's love through compassionate outreach and service.
Utah Animal adoption center
Ladies of Charity Center of Hope Food Pantry
Bountiful food Pantry
Gathering in Grace
In our weekly sermons, we come together as a community, united in our pursuit of spiritual growth and connection. All are welcome, and we invite you to join us in worship and reflection. Through heartfelt gatherings filled with prayer and fellowship, we create a space where everyone feels valued and accepted. Join us as we journey together, seeking grace and understanding in our shared faith.
Navigating Grief
Grief can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. As a trained grief counselor, I offer one-on-one sessions to help you through this difficult journey. Remember, take it one day at a time, knowing that the Lord is beside you every step of the way.
Pastor Jim leads monthly virtual grief support group meetings, providing a safe space for sharing and healing. Join us for our upcoming meetings on the following dates:
- 2nd Thursday of every month - 6PM to 7PM
Meeting ID: 988 8457 5868
Passcode: 051353
Let's journey together toward healing and hope.
Generosity in Action
At Bountiful First Baptist Church, we believe in the power of giving as an expression of our faith and gratitude. Through our tithes, offerings, and acts of service, we actively contribute to the well-being of our community and beyond. Whether it's supporting local outreach programs, aiding those in need, or investing in the growth of our church family, every contribution makes a difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about our services? We hope you will find the answer below.
HAVE A QUESTION?
Reach Out Today
Contact Us
Please contact Pastor Jim at
(385) 777-9057 if you would like to schedule time to meet with him.
