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JIMMY JESPERSEN Obituary

Jimmy Don Jespersen "SPIKE" Our loving husband, father, brother and friend, Jimmy Don Jespersen, was born March 26, 1950 to Don and Joyce Jespersen in SLC, UT. He passed away courageously June 13, 2011 surrounded by his family. He attended Skyline High School where he played football and developed a passion for the game and gained a lifetime of friends. Jimmy eventually followed his father's footsteps in 1968 and joined the U. S. Marine Corps and proudly served his country in the Vietnam War. He was a simple and humble man who enjoyed life to the fullest. His greatest passions in life were his family, friends, golfing, landscaping the yard, working hard, and of course UTAH FOOTBALL! Thank You Coach John Pease and Coach Kyle Whittingham for putting a smile on his face. A special thanks to all the caregivers, family members, and friends who helped take care of Jimmy. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 29 years, Susan (Suzie), two sons, Jamie (Jacqui) and Toby, daughter, Cortney (Chet Albanese), and three grandchildren, Livie, Lucy, Corbin, brothers, Jeff, and Jay (Kaye), and sister, Jerri (Duane) Vigos. We will all miss our Jimmy! A celebration of Jimmy's life will be held at South Mountain Golf Club in Draper, Utah between 1:00-4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 17, 2011. Online condolences: www.larkincares.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Deseret News on Jun. 16, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for JIMMY JESPERSEN

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Gary Groendyke

March 6, 2021

I had the honor of playing with Jim at Skyline. Coach Linford said this of Jim in an interview “Pound for pound the toughest football player in the state”
and Jim certainly was all that and more. Goodbye my friend, Gary Groendyke

Ron, Cindy, Leon and Thelma

June 28, 2011

Susan,
We just found out about Jim's passing and wanted you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Its been a long time but we still think of you often.
If we can do anything for you let us know. We are still in the same place.
Take care and God Bless.

Raymond Orozco

June 25, 2011

I only knew Jim for a few years but from the moment I met him I admired him so much because he was so humbled and dedicated to his family and friends. In him I saw a soul like no other and I will always try to live my life according to his teachings, his wisdom words of advise. I will always remember the jokes and smiles and fun times as well as his incredible accomplishments. The enormous love for his family and the charming wisdom that only Jim could bring to the table. Both Jim and his family will be in our prayers in this difficult times and many years after.
Now you go ahead dear friend and fly as the free bird that you are. I have nothing but faith that we will all meet up again and ones again I will sit by you listening to your amazing journey.

Adonia Tedeeschi

June 21, 2011

Jimmy,

You became my Uncle when I was only 13. You were always so kind and understanding to me. I adored you from the start. I remember how much fun I had with just you and Susie out on the boat listening to music and waterskiing. These are fond memories I will keep with me always. Until we meet again...

David Pullum

June 20, 2011

I haven't seen any of you in along time, but that doesn't mean that you are not in my thoughts. Sorry for your loss.

Jay Jespersen

June 19, 2011

Big Brother;
I’m so thankful I could have a brother like you and parents such as we had. I’ll always have fond memories of growing up and the good times we had as a family. You were such a great bother to me and always there if I needed anything. There won’t be another Ute football game played that I won’t be thinking of you. This isn’t goodbye, it’s just till we meet again. Love you Jim. Your little brother Jay….

Betty & Jerry Davenport

June 18, 2011

Jerri, We are so sorry to hear of your family's loss. Know that we are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Joe Romero

June 17, 2011

Jimmy was such a great man. It was an honor knowing him. Sue and Cortney my heart goes out to you. He will truly be missed. RIP Jimmy.

Tara Bradshaw

June 17, 2011

Jespersen's, Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. Jimmy was always first to wave and say hello. We will miss him. May God's angels surround you and comfort you, Bradshaw Family (The neighbors across the street)

Carl & Judy Albanese

June 17, 2011

Sue & Cortney,
Are thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Jim might be gone but he will never be forgotten. RIP JIM
"" GO UTES ""

Stephanie Vigos-Evens

June 17, 2011

Aunt Sue, Jamie & Cort, my heart is so broken along with yours!!!! Jimmy was such a great man of integrity & honor. I am so grateful for all the long talks, camping, horse shoes, bocce ball, tailgateing, childhood memories & adulthood memories. I know every person & myself, that has had the privelege to cross your path became a better person after knowing you. You were always a pleasure to be around even at the end. I feel honored to say I am Jimmy's niece & I can't think of a better person to join my dad on the other side. With all my love, Steph

Paul Gammell

June 16, 2011

My prayers are with you and your family. I had the honor of knowing Jim at Skyline High School where we played football together on one of the greatest teams of our time. He was the hardest hitting toughest saftey I had ever seen. He had no fear. I lost track of him after he joined the military. I was a year younger, but grew up in the same Canyon Rim area. He was a man with impecable integrity. My life was enriched by just knowing him. God bless. Go Utes, Go Eagles. With love, Paul Gammell

Connie Mae Gustin

June 16, 2011

Jerri,
I am so sorry to here about the lose of your brother.Are prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.

June 16, 2011

Dear Jim,
I fell in love with you the first time I saw you sixty one years ago when Mom and Dad brought you home. You were one of the greatest gifts a big sister could ever have. Through our lives we have many friendships, from the casual to those that are precious beyond words. Sometimes it's not until we hit a bad patch that we discover which are which. When casual friends see trouble, they smile and say, call me if you need anything. True friends like you don't have to think twice before stepping up without being asked, to give whatever you need. You were that kind of brother and friend who has always right there to support me, no matter how bad things get, ready to fight the monsters, give me strength or simply stand by my side until the worst is past. You can't know how much that loyalty meant to me. You were a joy, an inspiration, and one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I won't say goodbye because I am blessed with so many wonderful memories, a beautiful sister-in-law, and your two amazing children, Jaime and Cortney. Through them and I will see and feel you. I will miss you with all my and heart and soul. I thank my lucky stars each and every night that I was blessed with a brother like you. Loving you forever Jimmy. Your sister, Jerri
Go Utes!!!!!

June 16, 2011

We have only known Jim a short time and right away a few things were apparent, his love for his family and friends and his love (aka healthy obsession) for the Ute’s. Russ was able to have a few more than more than me, but we both did get the experience of one of Jim’s deep long chats. It makes you feel very connected to someone when they share things they “for-sure know”, things they have learned, experiences, and who they love and cherish. What a great man. We are heartbroken this week for you Sue and Cort (and all of Jim’s family and friends)! We love you dearly and hope that the grieving eases up. We truly will think of Jimmy and remember him as a fun and loving husband, a proud and adoring father and wonderful friend. GO UTES!- Russ & Amy

Mary VIGOS

June 16, 2011

Susan, Jamie & Cort,
Jimmy was such an inspiration to all. I will always have a special place in my heart for him. His passion for life and the love of the UTES will never be forgotten. I proudly wear my RED & White in honor of Uncle Jimmy.

Michelle Jones

June 16, 2011

Dear Family,
My husband, Frank Jones, has told so many 'interesting' stories about the Jespersen family. What great memories you all have! Can you imagine the reunion that is taking place right now?
I wonder if they have all set up camp in the backyard!
Frank says that Jimmy's going home marks the "last of the good guys". I tell you that those 'Jespersens' are truly a blessing to all those who had the honor of meeting them. You are an amazing family and you are all Jimmy's treasure, his legacy and a true testament to a life well lived!
God bless you and may He carry all of you through this very difficult time.
Frank and Michelle Jones

Tom Codella

June 16, 2011

Many great memories go back so many years to the days at Westminister College. Jimmy will be missed but the memories will never be forgotten.
My prayers and thoughts to Jimmy's family and friends.

Nick Vigos

June 16, 2011

With a heavy heart i say good bye to my Uncle Jim. You were a very inspirational part of my life and I know I am a better person for having known you. I will never be able to look at red and white without remembering you and your passion for life. The world has lost a great man and I consider the world a lesser place with you gone. Your legacy lives on in all the lives you have touched! You will always be the "lava monster to me" With love and condolences.
Nick, Mary and Cash Vigos

Tom Nelson

June 16, 2011

In the 45 years that Jim was my friend he never said a bad thing about anybody except: BYU fans, bad penalties by Utah players and bad officials.
We will all miss him.

jacqui jespersen

June 16, 2011

Sending our love. Grandpa Jim will be missed.
Jaime,Jacqui,Livie,Lucy

Natalie Thomson

June 16, 2011

Cortney,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.

Heather Olson-Paetsch

June 16, 2011

You will be greatly missed by everyone at the South Mountain Golf Club. It was such an honor to know you for the short time we did and get to know your family and friends. It was always great to see you guys and we hope to still see them up there. It won't be the same without you! You will be in our thoughts and will be missed so much next Saturday night, but I know you will be proudly watching as your family and friends celebrate. You can now rest as you have lived an amazing life! Oh ya... and GO UTES!

June 16, 2011

Jimmy I wish I had meet you years ago.
Go Utes!

Bill Smelser

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