Jay Preece Lenz

Jay P Lenz passed away peacefully in his home on August 14, 2023. Jay was born Parry Jay Preece on September 1, 1934, in Hibbard, Idaho, to Parry Bair Preece and Evva Ellen Lee Preece. He legally changed his name to Jay Preece Lenz after his mother married Carl Paul Lenz.

Jay’s early years were spent in Squirrel, Idaho. After his mother’s marriage to Carlie, they moved to Ashton, Idaho. Life on the cattle ranch instilled in Jay the value of hard work, which carried with him throughout his life, and was passed on to his eight children.

Jay enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve after high school and was later drafted into the Army. He served a two-year mission in Australia for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While traveling from San Francisco to Australia, he met the Parton family returning to Sydney. Their paths crossed again towards the end of the mission, and Joyce Parton immigrated to the US shortly after Jay’s return. They were married on February 27, 1957, in the Idaho Falls Temple.

Their home was soon filled with children, with John, Jocelyn, Jaylene, and Jenny arriving in the six years. Jamie joined 4 years later, followed by Jesse, Janis, and Jena. Jamie died in an accident as a young child.

Jay graduated with his master’s degree from Brigham Young University in Construction / Teaching. He spent his life in the construction industry, as a master carpenter, teacher, contractor, and craftsman. He was known for his woodworking and carpentry throughout his life.

After the passing of Joyce in 2002, Jay met, fell in love with and married Carole Frisbee in the Salt Lake Temple. She was the love of his life, and they cherished the last 20 years together.

Jay was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and spent his life in the service of the Lord. Jay loved poetry and writing; and several of his works have been published including Chicken Soup, Animal Book for Children, Adventures of “Backward Bill” Doggett. He recently finished his life memoirs and his book of poetry. His unique sense of humor was well known by anyone who got to know him.

Jay is preceded in death by his first wife Joyce, son James, his parents and two sisters. He is survived by his wife Carole, children John (Lisa) Lenz, Jocelyn Stone, Jaylene (Dan) Stevens, Jenny (Jesse) Moore, Jesse (Andrea) Lenz, Janis (Kurt) Bowers, and Jena (Omar) Filippelli, 28 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, August 19, 2023, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1142 FM 1103, Cibolo, TX 78108. 9:30 Greeting with the family.

Services will be broadcast on Google MeetMeeting Link: meet.google.com/zdj-yyxy-vapJoin with Google Meet