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Joseph Perry Obituary

Joseph James Perry 1988 ~ 2006 Joe, age 17, our beloved son, brother and friend returned home to his Father in Heaven on February 21, 2006. He passed away at the U of U Hospital in Salt Lake City as a result of a very unexpected heart attack. Joe was born April 7, 1988 to Jim and Cathy Perry in Bakersfield, CA. He attended Riverton High School and through hard work was scheduled to graduate June 2006. Joe was also a very active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was recently ordained a Priest and was actively preparing himself to serve a mission when he turned 19 years of age next year. Joe's wonderful life was filled with love and laughter...lots and lots of laughter! He had an uncanny ability to make others laugh. He was known to always figure out a way to make a dark situation light and a difficult one appear easier. And if you ever spent time with him you soon learned that you were not allowed to frown when you were with him-Joe would quickly do something to make you laugh (even if he had to make himself look quite silly by doing it.) This unique gift for making others smile was definitely experienced by anyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a great example to us and will be sorely missed by all who know him. He touched so many lives in ways that cannot be expressed in just words and we love him dearly for it. Survived by parents Jim and Cathy Perry; four sisters Tami, Jessica, Jen and Yvonne; two brothers Brad and Todd; grandparents John and Joanne Cray and Ralph and Evelyn Perry; many loved aunts, uncles, cousins, and hundreds of friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved grandmother Josephine Perry and Uncle Randy. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday February 25, 2006 at the LDS Church at 12800 South 2700 West. Viewing will be at 10 am and the service will start at 12 noon. Funeral Directors, Broomhead Funeral Home. We love you Joe! In lieu of flowers: Donations to assist the family can be made in the name of Joseph Perry at any Jordan Credit Union or Zions Bank.

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

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune on Feb. 24, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Perry

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Quinn Kunz

March 24, 2006

I struggle with how to express my feelings in words. But simply know that my thoughts and prayers have been for your family. It was a great opportunity to get to know Joe and your family as I served as his YM's President. My consolation and strength comes from my testimony of Christ and His plan of salvation. Cathy I know you and your family have the same burning testimony in your hearts and it will help you to cope with this loss. I'm confident Joe is in a much better place with many family and friends and still a mission to complete.



With love,

Quinn, Rona and Kunz Family

Oliver Tsuya

March 13, 2006

My dear friends, my words alone cannot express the sorrow that I feel. If I were home, I would have shed tears with you.

Jay Neeley

March 8, 2006

Cathy,

I found out about Joe's sudden passing two days afrer his funeral; I am truly sorry. I know how deep the pain and sense of loss is. I have known of so many young people who have died suddenly and unexpectitly. It seems as though we have have some very special young people who, for all to brief of a time, come to enrich the lives of those around them and then the Lord calls them back. In your time of sorrow remember God is there, He knows what your are feeling, He knows of your heart ache, and sense of emptiness right now. In Psalm the Lord tells us "there is no trial so great that I cannot deliver you, there is no pain so great that I cannot comfort you"; at this very painful time, you will just need to trust in the Lord and thank Him for the time He let Joe stay with you and enrich your life and those around him. I met Joe when he came over to my house and "hang out" with my son Jayson. He was a great kid. You can take pride in the knowledge that you were a loving mother and that the Lord is pleased with the love and guidance you gave Joe in his brief stay here in this "veil of tears". Joe is now free of the trial and tibulations of this world and will now be quite busy in his new assignment and he now can progress in his third estate.

You and your family are in my prayers and I can tell you that time and the tender ministering of the Spirit will slowly ease your pain and you will take comfort in the knowledge that God does live and the resurrection is a sure and certain event for all of Gods children. May God hold you and your family in the palm of his loving hands at this time.

nannette knighton

March 8, 2006

im so very sorry to hear what happened. i knew joe kinda well i started to get to know him and then i moved but he was a awsome guy. he was very special.i miss him much, i hope everything goes better. love, nannette

Crystalyn Wilson

March 7, 2006

I didnt know Joe all to well---I knew his smile the second I saw the obituary though. From reading this wonderful guest book I think that what people can take from this is that Joe was loved, had a great sense of humor, had lots of friends, and made an impact on everyones life.

I know one of my Young Women---in my ward knew Joe and the family as well---the day of his passing she called me cause she knew that I would be there for her---not only cause I love her but because I lost my best friend recently so I would cry with her. It was very sadening to hear of the loss of Joe, another fellow student at RHS...where I graduated last year...but I know that Joe has a purpose beyond here as I am sure most of you reading this know the same, but for those that dont, believe me that God only takes those who are ready to see him again, or who desperately need to feel his arms wrapped around them. In Joe's case I believe that it was probably that he was ready. He will do great things and I hope and pray that I will one day meet him on the other side and be able to see his smile once again. To Joe's mother, nothing I can say or do will take the pain you must be feeling away, but what I can do is pray for you, so know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and that you are loved. I am sure Joe is watching over you in heaven, cause that is where he is going. I am sure he is! I am sure he is up there helping someone else along the journey of life, great or small! He has made a difference in many lives and thank you for sharing him with everyone. If there is anything you need please dont hesitate to ask!

Leslie Bell

March 4, 2006

The Perry Family,

We were shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of Joe. We were out of town during these events. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and will be with you in the difficult days to come. I enjoyed spending time with Evey and Joe when I served in the Young Women Program. Joe was a character and will be greatly missed. We enjoyed you as our neighbors and we think of you often.

Rich and Leslie Bell

Trey Ellis

March 2, 2006

Dear Perry Family,

I know that you dont know me. But I was with your son at the South Jordan Rec. Center when he had a heart attack. I know that I cant quite comprehend what your going through but i sort of do i had my friends dad pass away at the end of January.And i have just recently found out today that my great grandmother passed away. I hope and give you my best wishes. Please write back to me.

Lane & Melanie Cole

March 2, 2006

Bro.& Sis. Perry,

We want to let you know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Joe was a wonderful boy and we feel blessed to have known him. I served as his young men's president and enjoyed the time I spent with him. I will never forget our camping trips when Joe would only bring a light jacket and blanket and say, "I'll be fine, I don't get cold" and we would later find him huddled with the other boys FREEZING. He would just laugh, but never complain. He will be greatly missed.

Neva McCaleb Nakashima

February 28, 2006

Dear Perry Family,

I was shocked and saddened to hear on the news that Joseph had passed unexpectedly. I was so sad to hear about the untimely death of such a handsome young man and then realized after seeing you Cathy that he was part of your family. I remember when Joseph was born and we all lived in Bakersfield.

Please accept my sympathies, you are all in my prayers.



Love,

Neva McCaleb Nakashima

Lehi, UT

Justin & Traci Romph

February 28, 2006

Cathy,

I just heard about your son's death and I am truly sorry. I was in Bishop Merrill's ward with you and served with you on the Activities Comittee. You are such a sweet person. I enjoyed serving with you and getting to know you.

I remember seeing Joe holding his nephews at church and he was so cute with them. You could tell he had a great love for them.

Our deepest sympathy goes out to you at this time. Our family will pray for you!

Gaylene Phister

February 28, 2006

Dear Cathy,

We just wanted to let you know of our love for you and for Joe. What a tragic loss! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your dear family. May Heavenly Father bless you with the choice blessing of peace. You have been an incredible example to us and to many ward members. We love you and Yvonne and just wanted you to know that we know Joseph has been called to the ultimate mission. We love you.

Love,

Dan and Gaylene Phister

Liz & Ted (Hall) Taylor

February 27, 2006

Dear Cathy, Jim & family

We were shocked and saddened to hear about Joeseph. We've lost touch with you but you'll ALWAYS have a special place in our hearts.

PLEASE call or e-mail us. We'd like to get back in touch. We love you guys and have fond memories of your family. Love always liz & ted (Yates-Hall) taylor

Kylee Watson

February 27, 2006

Joe was in my art class too. He was an amazing artist and an even better person, even though I didn't get to know him very well I still will miss him, as will everybody else!

Becky Nielsen

February 27, 2006

To the Perry Family;



I am so very sorry for your loss. I have been thinking about all of you since Friday when I first read Joe's obituary, and I am praying for you to find comfort and strength.



You guys don't know me, but I know what you're going through. My son Ryan was killed in August 2004 when a baseball hit him in the neck. He was also 17 years old.



I know the shock and the sorrow you are feeling. I know the huge void you're feeling in your lives, and the pain of realizing more and more every day just how much you're going to miss your son.



I can tell you that you have so many people praying for you. You will find strength and comfort from those prayers of people you know and countless others you don't know who are praying for you to find peace.



I can also tell you that the pain does get easier to bear. A very good friend of ours described grief as a huge boulder that you simply cannot carry. As time goes by, you are able to whittle away at this giant boulder, and day by day, very gradually, this giant rock becomes a small pebble that you can hold, and even put in your pocket. It will always be with you, you'll just have an easier time carrying it around.



I can't tell you how much comfort the gospel has brought our familiy. Our knowledge of eternal families, and the certainty that we will get our sons back, and be with them forever is sometimes the only source of peace I can find.



My son Ryan was also blessed with a great sense of humor, and was always trying to make people laugh. I'm sure he and Joe have met by now, and I'm sure they're both laughing.



We were given a small clipping of a talk given by Neal A. Maxwell shortly before he died, and he was quoted as saying that during these last days some of the most faithful young people are being called to the other side so they can help their families from there. I haven't been able to find the talk it was taken from, but it's a very comforting thought.



My family will continue to keep you guys in our thoughts and our prayers.



May the Lord bless you during this very difficult time.



With much Love,



Becky Nielsen and Familiy

Whitni

February 26, 2006

Joe was such a joker, that when I first met him he told me his name was cameron and let me go on for months calling him that. It really confused me to find out his name was Joe. But he was just like that. I didn't know him very well, but he was friendly to everyone. Everyone will miss him.

Jordan Valley Hospital ICU

February 25, 2006

Cathy, all of us at Jordan Valley Hospital (ICU) wanted you to know how very sorry we are to hear about Joe...our hearts know that no bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you and your family. May God be with you 'til you meet again.

Heather Anderson

February 25, 2006

I met Joe in my art class last semester. He was completely hilarious and a really good artist... we'll all miss him dearly. He was a good guy and I know that he holds a high place with his Father in Heaven. We love you Joe. <3

Jason Kamerath

February 25, 2006

Joe,

you were a friend among friends. I will never forget the times we shared with eachother or the times we spent with friends. You were a companion and a true friend to all of us. I, as well many others, will miss you, and the Auto Lab will never be the same without your laughter and knowledge. We will never forget you

Shaun Freeman

February 25, 2006

Dear Joe,



It was clear from the first time I met you as a young man, that I had a bond with you in a way that cannot be expressed. And, as one of your youth leaders, I can honestly say I learned more from you than you probably ever learned from me. Your ability to look at adversity with a smile, and meet head on the trials that you faced with an unmatched determination to overcome them. Your Spirit is strong, and you've been called home to utilize the gifts and talents you've been so richly blessed with. I could write many more things, but will reserve those thoughts and words for when I see you again. I love you Joe, as a friend, a Brother, and a Son.

Michael, Evon and Eli Fielden

February 25, 2006

Dear Perry family,

We are so shocked and sorry to hear of your sudden loss, which is a loss to all. We pray that the many joy filled memories of him will comfort you at this time and throughout the time you are parted from him. He will always be remembered by us as the neighbor boy with the joy filled attitude. He was a good friend. We are thankful for the smile his memory brings to our minds.

Whitney Frame

February 24, 2006

Perry Family

Thank you for sharing your son with all that knew him.I got the chance to know your son through work and loved his personality! He always made me laugh and i have heard nothing but great things about him! I know we will all see him soon just remeber families are forver!

Cheri Shepherd

February 24, 2006

Cathy you raised such a wonderful son, and person. I remember hanging out with him and Yvonne and every moment we'd be laughing. He was such a sweetheart.

And Yvonne, me and Olivia will help you any way we can. We know how much he meant to you, and how much he had helped you over the years. Thank you Joe for all the memories we made. You will forever be in our hearts, and will be greatly missed.

Cathy&&Yvonne,

Our prayers are with you both.

With much love and sympathy,

-Cheri.

Megan Rees

February 24, 2006

Dear Joe,

I will never forget you. I will miss your sweet smile in my English class with Mr. Kelly. You were always on top of your assignments, and I really loved that about you. I will think about you everyday.

Love ya forever



Love, Always

Megan

Angelina Kump

February 24, 2006

Perry famil

I am so sorry for your loss. Joe was a very nice kid and his passing very tragic and sad he will be missed

Larry and Mary Bray

February 24, 2006

We were so saddened to hear about Joe. It seems like just yesterday he was a little boy running around in King's in Heber City. He has grown to be a handsome young man. We love your family and pray for you during this difficult time.

Theresa Trujillo

February 24, 2006

I recently met Joe here at South Jordan City as a new hire. Right off the bat, he made me laugh. I told him he reminded me so much of my nephew. When he asked me if he could stick his tongue out for the picture on his badge, I told him we couldn't but he did anyway (of course, we re-took the picture) You could tell he was a unique individual and everything you mentioned about him in the obituary is what we saw in him. He will be missed.

Bryce Houston

February 24, 2006

Hey joe "the funniest kid ever" i wish we could have hung out everyday like we used to making each other laugh for hours. I love you joe and miss you greatly. I'll always remember the good times playing football or quoting our favorite movie. I cant wait till I see you again, thanks for being my friend.

Perry family my thoughts and prayers are with you, I thank you for raising such a stud.

Collin Cooper

February 24, 2006

Joe,

I miss you so much. The times spent together will keep me smileing til the day that i join you up in the auto shop in the sky. Then we can start all over.

I miss you! Your laughter and your smile!

The pool will never be the same.

Heidi Wangsgaard

February 24, 2006

Dear Perry Family,

I work with your daughter Jen. I am sorry to hear of the sudden loss of Joe. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time.

Heidi (Rex & Ty) Wangsgaard

barlow

February 24, 2006

joe i didnt really know you but i know who your family is and i know they love u so much!!!!

SJC employees

February 24, 2006

Dear Perry family,

Thank you for sharing your son with

all of us here at the Fitness Center. For the short time he was with us he touched the hearts of many people. Sincerely fellow SJC employees.

Bishop & Kris Merrill

February 24, 2006

Dear Perry Family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Joe had a big effect on our son Drew. He will be missed. You raised a wonderful missionary.

Mike Marshall

February 24, 2006

My heart was saddened to hear of Joes passing. He is a faithful/valiant young man. I found myself asking why. Although we can't make sense of things like this, I know Joe would say,"have faith!" Trust that all things are watched over by a loving Heavenly Father who does all he does in our best interest. Have Faith! The Savior can and will make everything right! Our prayers are with you Cathy.

Brittany Jeffs

February 24, 2006

Joe, I remember the day that we met. We were at Arctic Circle and you were wearing those big, goofy glasses. I thought that you looked adorable in them. Then when we were introduced you took off those glasses and revealed your beautiful eyes. We became freinds really quickly. Remember the time that you and Savanna came over to watch a movie and I fell asleep so you moved over and started to bug me. You always knew how to make me smile. Even when I was sad you brought that smile back to my face. Remember how you used to make that face and I couldn't help laughing. So you would call people over and I would try to keep a straight face, but you always figured out a way to make me bust out laughing. Your smile was foolproof. You loved to tease me and even if I got angry I couldn't stop laughing. Remember on New Years Eve when I drove to your sisters house in a blizzard. That was so scary, but you insisted so I came on over and I had to leave almost right away because it took me so long to get there. Remember when me and Savanna came over to Derek's house to hang out with you and we just sat there and watched you play video games all night. And then you and Derek wanted Mcdonald's so we all went over and you didn't have any money, so Savanna and I went through the drive-thru and bought food for you and Derek. You had a way of getting whatever it is that you wanted. Or remember the time when we were at your sisters house and we watched Resident Evil 2 and the next day we acted like zombies all day. people thought we were crazy. That was so much fun. I am sorry that we drifted apart as much as we did. You were such a great friend. I love you, and miss you so much.

Savanna Lee

February 24, 2006

Just a memory of you. I remember one night at Arctic Circle when it was slow we got in a water fight with the pressure hose in the dishes sink. I was standing there in a puddle of water, soaking wet and dripping. I was fuming mad and glaring at you, you just looked at me, threw your head back and laughed. and i couldnt help but laughing too. I will miss you!

Savanna Lee

February 24, 2006

Joe! I will miss you sooo much! You were always such a shining light in my life. thanks for all the good times, i will always love and miss you, Joe Perry. I will see you in the next life!

Becky Marshall

February 24, 2006

Cathy,

We just heard about Joe and wanted to write a note and give you our deepest sympathy. We absolutely coulen't believe it, and are so sorry. Joe is such a sweetheart and we always looked up to him and you (him literally, and you because you are just so dang sweet!) We miss seeing you at church all of the time and just love your family so much. Please know that we are praying for you and your family and if there is truly anything you need, please call.



With much love and sympathy,



Mike and Becky Marshall

whitney bruhns

February 24, 2006

I am really going to miss joseph he was more then a friend he helped everyone...he was an amazing person who loved to laugh and enjoy life.... i love you and will miss you!

Steve Nichols

February 24, 2006

Jim and Cathy, Dayna and I have you in our prayers. It was a shock to see that your son died and we can only pray that you are being blessed in this time of need and love from those who love you. We think of you often and pray that all is well and your family will gain peace and unity. Love the NIchols

Lisa Welling

February 24, 2006

I had only met Joseph once or twice but when i did i could see all the same qualities that was expressed in the obituary and he was very friendly and made me feel welcome in his home and even cracked a few jokes! He just had a great loving spirit about him. This was quite unexpected for everyone but he did all that he needed to while here on this earth and its wonderful and a calm peaceful assurance to know where he is and that he is with our Father in Heaven! He will be missed and my heart goes out to the family!

Melissa Kilgrow

February 24, 2006

Joe,

I'm so glad we became friends these last two years. You were an awesome person that always had to make everybody happy. I love you and will miss you greatly!

Cathy,

You are an amazing person and you are so strong, thank you for letting us be there for you and Joe. I love you!

Michael Lancaster

February 24, 2006

Hey Joe,

thanks for always being there for me and mel, good times or bad. thanks for all the fun times, the happy times, and of course the laugher. I know that you are happy right now and i am excited to see you again someday.

I love you Joe

Thanks Cathy and family for all that you've done. I love how strong you and your family are. it really has given me reassurance in saying good bye to Joe. I love you guys so much.

Valerie Jeffs

February 24, 2006

For Joe's mother Cathy,



I would like you to know that Joe touched my daughter, Brittany's, life for the better. I don't know if Joe shared with you what he and Brittany shared in common but I truly believe Joe came into Brittany's life for a reason.



People come into our lives for A REASON, A SEASON, or A LIFETIME.



When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the REASON you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die.



Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.



Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.



Believe it, it is real. But only for a SEASON.



LIFETIME relationships teach you LIFETIME lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person, and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.



I thank God that Joe was a part of Brittany’s life, even if only for a REASON and a short SEASON.



Cathy, I believe there is no bond greater as that between a mother and a child and that bond can never be broken. My deepest condolences are with you and your family as you grieve.

Larry & Barbra Eggett

February 24, 2006

Dear Perry Family - We've never met, but we feel we share a bond with you. We lost our son Blake, also a senior at Riverton, about 4 months ago. We are so grateful for the Atonement of the Savior and the peace that this knowledge brings. Please accept our heartfelt condolences at this time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We pray that the Lord will bring you the same peace with which He has blessed us.

Tyler

February 24, 2006

Joe I will miss you for all my life, but I know where you are and know I will see you again.

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