Jay Walker

Jay R Walker, loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away on January 2, 2025, in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was 80 years old.
Jay was born to Helen R Walker and Henson S Walker on June 6, 1944. He grew up in Lindon, Utah. As a boy he loved riding horses, playing sports, and running around with his little brother Frank. He grew up working hard at farming, raising cattle and horses. He loved his time riding horses and camping in the mountains.
He attended Pleasant Grove High School and graduated in 1962. He played and excelled at many sports, including basketball, football and baseball.
In 1963 he was called to serve a Mission in the Australia Mission, where he served faithfully for 2 years. During that time his father passed away in a tragic accident at Geneva Steel Mill. Despite his loss, he chose to stay in the mission field and finish his service to the Lord.
After his mission, he attended Brigham Young University and obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree.
He met and married his sweetheart, Carol Jean Hall. They were married in the Salt Lake City Temple on Aug 14, 1968. As they returned from their honeymoon, Jay was drafted into Army during the Vietnam War, and he left for boot camp almost immediately. After completing boot camp, he completed training to be a chaplain's assistant. He was then assigned as a Chaplain's Aid and they were stationed in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. They lived there for about a year, and then were able to return home to Pleasant Grove, UT.
Jay then had time to finish his teaching certificate through BYU in 1969. He taught PE and Health Science at Pleasant Grove Junior High School. At this time, it was the old or original high school located on 200 South in Pleasant Grove where the new fire station is now.
In 1972, Jay and Carol built their home on family property in PG and have lived there since. Jay worked hard on their lovely home, including the brick work, and made it such a nice place to live and raise their family. He also took care of the land surrounding the home growing hay, wheat, or whatever he could to improve the land. He was an excellent steward of the land.
For 28 years he taught Health and PE and coached many sports teams both in school and for his children. Many former students might remember the fun basketball "tournaments" in PE class where they would choose teams and Jay always participated on the "last picked" team. He would make it a "friendly" competition and his team usually ended up the victor of the tournament. He mentored many students over the years and was so kind and helpful to students who might have needed a little extra encouragement or a place for them to feel wanted or needed. Jay also competed on several Fastpitch softball teams throughout the years. Many of our vacations were traveling to a softball competition with our family.
In 1997 Jay transferred from the Pleasant Grove Junior High to Lone Peak High School where he was an assistant principal and athletic director until his retirement in 2002.
Jay also worked as a brick mason throughout his married and adult life and built many brick homes or cinder block buildings during his summer breaks. He had many friends in this profession as well. It also allowed his children job opportunities and the chance to learn to work hard.
After his retirement from school, he continued to be a brick mason, raise cattle and have horses on their small farm in Pleasant Grove. Through all his hard work, he blessed many lives, especially his children. There was always homegrown beef, pork or chicken for whoever needed it and produce from his large garden every summer. He provided many services to neighbors and friends as well, whether they needed help with his tractor or his many other talents.
Jay and Carol were able to serve as a service missionary couple. They were assigned to the Deseret Industries and Job Service mission at the American Fork location. Here they were able to assist in teaching people how to apply and interview for jobs as well as practical skills like driving a forklift. In the last few years, they served regularly in the temple.
Jay is survived by his loving wife and sweetheart Carol Jean Hall Walker; six children: Jayleen Roylance (Derek), Chris Walker (Laura Padilla), Janay Standifird (Eric), Jeremy Walker (Kim Pulley), Janille Smith (Justin), Craig Walker (Michelle Hall); 20 grandchildren: Tyson Standifird (Bekah), Aubrey Roylance Sanders (Ben), Ethan Roylance, Ryan Walker, Carson Standifird, Dallin Roylance, Hadlee Walker, Maggie Walker, Jaxen Smith, Thomas Roylance, Peyton Walker, Zack Smith, Mason Standifird, Taylor Walker, Kenzie Jo Smith, Wyatt Walker, Ben Walker, Everett Walker, Rodie Walker, Ellie Walker, and one great grandson, Brooks Sanders. He is also survived by his sister Karen Wall (Ron), and younger brother Jim Walker (Cyn Dartez). He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Frank and Scott.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 11:00 am in the Mt. Mahogany Fifth Ward Chapel, 1541 North 1300 West, Pleasant Grove. Family and friends may attend a viewing Monday evening, January 6, 2025, from 6-8 pm at Olpin Family Mortuary, 494 South 300 East, Pleasant Grove and at the church from 9:30-10:45 am prior to the funeral service. Interment will be in the Pleasant Grove City Cemetery.