John Jay Wilson

John Jay Wilson
1929 ~ 2012
John Jay Wilson, 82, passed away Feb. 8, 2012 at his home in Magna, due to complications with Alzheimer's disease.
John was born Sept. 9, 1929 in New Harmony, Indiana to Clyde Wilson and Clara Lively Wilson. He graduated from West High School and Utah Technical College (Salt Lake Community College) where he served as Student Body President. He married Gladys May Gleave on Sept. 12, 1952 in Salt Lake City, Utah; the two were later sealed in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.
John earned the rank of Staff Sargent while serving in the United States Air Force. He received the Good Conduct Medal while in the 1255th ABSQ and 1254th ATGP respectively. He was stationed at the Washington National Airport in Washington D.C., and was given the opportunity to fly with Presidents Eisenhower and Truman. He served his country with pride until his honorable discharge in Sept. of 1954.
Another large part of his life was his association with the Boy Scouts of America. He was a leader for over ten years and always enjoyed helping the young men earn their rank of Eagle; he also loved Scout Camp. He later received the Silver Beaver award for distinguished service, this award was given to leaders who have made an impact in the lives of the youth involved in the organization.
His professional life consisted of running a gas and car service station during the early years of his marriage; he later worked for Equitable Life Assurance until his retirement. John was a member of the American Legion, Lion's Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars and The ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out) Club. He was solely responsible for collecting money, for which he spent countless hours seeking donations, and erecting a monument honoring those in the Magna community who served in the United States Armed Forces. John was also an avid bowler, spending many years competing in league play. Winters were spent with his sweetheart at their house in Hurricane, Utah. He had many friends and he loved to visit, travel or just play cards with them.
Family was John's greatest love. He enjoyed building a cabin with his brothers where his family could spend time together. His joy was in his children and grandchildren; his favorite times were when the family was gathered together having a barbecue, playing games or just chatting. There was nothing he loved better than a party, and he always knew everyone there. John was definitely a people person, everywhere he went he found someone to have a conversation with.
John is survived by his wife of 60 years, Gladys; five children and their spouses, J. Clyde (Jeanette) of Green River, Wyo., Deward (Linda) of Hurricane, Dixie (Tim) Yeates of Magna, Chad (Cindy) of West Valley, Maridawn (Chris) Wadsworth of West Jordan; 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; surviving sisters-in-laws Florence Wilson, Carol Wilson-Powell and Dixie Gleave Chaston. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Gene, Charles, Glen, Howard, Robert, Joe, sister Martha Stauffer, grandson Sunny Clyde Wilson, sisters-in-laws Sally Chapman Wilson and Margaret Wilson, and brother-in-law Bert Chaston.
A viewing will be held Sunday Feb. 12 from 6 to 8 in the evening, at Valley View Funeral Home, 4335 West 4100 South, West Valley, Utah. A viewing will be held on Feb. 13 at 10 a.m. prior to the service at the Lakeridge LDS Church with funeral services to follow in the chapel at 11 a.m., 7800 West Sharon Drive (3300 South), Magna, Utah. Interment will be held following the service at Valley View Memorial Park, West Valley, Utah.
The family would like to thank Hospice for their loving care of John, especially Colleen, Carlos, Deanna, Maria and Allen. A special thanks to Gayle Rocco. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.valleyviewfuneral.com