Monte James Jones II

Our Dad, Grandpa, brother, coach and friend passed away peacefully on March 7, 2025, at the age of 81, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Monte was born on February 25, 1944, in Mesa, Arizona to Nan and Monte Jones. He was the oldest of three sons, but grew up in a house full of five boys when his parents took in and raised his cousins. He learned the value of hard work while working in the orchards, hayfields and logging timbers in Oregon.

Monte was a champion athlete in wrestling and football both in High School and then at BYU where he lettered in both sports. He was the heavyweight WAC champion in wrestling and a captain of the first (1965) WAC championship football team. While at BYU he met the love of his life, his wife Janet Jacobs, and they were married in the Los Angeles Temple on January 2, 1969.

Monte and Jan spent their first years of marriage in Emery, Utah and in Nampa, Idaho, where Monte began his teaching and coaching career. After their first child, son Jeff, was born they relocated to Centerville Utah, where they welcomed daughters Jennifer and Jill into the family. Their home in Centerville would be a haven of love and security throughout their 54 years of marriage.

Monte taught and coached at Viewmont High School for the rest of his career. Monte loved to coach and expected a lot out of his athletes. He taught generations of students how to drive. He was a great believer in the students he taught, especially his children, whom he was their greatest supporter.

Monte was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and some of his fondest memories were attending scout camps, hiking trips through the Zion Narrows, and teaching life lessons around the campfire. 

Monte’s greatest joy was his family. He enjoyed being together with his family whether it was working in the yard, cheering on BYU football or traveling and seeing all the different parts of the world. He especially loved his title as grandpa, and spending his time with his grandchildren. When the grandchildren and wonderful son-in-laws and daughter-in-laws joined the family over the years he loved and welcomed each one. His care and support of his wife Jan through her 40 year battle with cancer was a tribute to their love and devotion to each other.

Monte was preceded in death by his wife Janet Jacobs, parents Nan and Monte Jones, brother William Jones, and in-laws Gerald and Jetta Jacobs.

Monte is survived by his son Jeff Jones (Sara), and daughters Jennifer Jones Scott (Darran), and Jill Jones Deskins (Aaron). He is survived by nine grandchildren: Abby Jones, Emily Jones, Garrett Jones, David Deskins, Allison Deskins, Bridget Deskins, Christopher Deskins, Swayzie Thomas, and Maci Thomas. Brother Bryant (Janette) Jones and Sister in law Lorie Jones (William). Cousins Walter (Karen) Stewart and John (Laree) Stewart.

Monte and his family are grateful for the care he received from the staff at Creekside Assisted Living, Christina his nurse and Janelle from Ovations Hospice. They are especially grateful to the wonderful caring staff at Fairfield Village, who all became part of his family, Innovations Hospice, and his incredible doctors at Huntsman Cancer Institute. Deep heartfelt appreciation to Angie, his hospice nurse, who listened, bantered, cared, supported and allowed Monte to pass the way he wanted with dignity, love and respect.

A public viewing will be held on Sunday, March 16, 2025 from 6:00-8:00pm at Russon Mortuary, 295 N Main St, Bountiful, UT. A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00am on Monday, March 17, 2025 at the Centerville Cemetery.

Services will be streamed live on Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and this obituary page.