Dallas "Jay" Nelson Jr.

Jay Nelson, a cherished Dad and Grandpa from West Valley City, Utah passed away peacefully on Monday, January 20th, 2025, at the age of 78. Dad faced his health challenges head-on, with a positive attitude and grit until the very end.

Jay was born on November 24, 1946, in Logan Utah to Dallas Jay Nelson, Sr. and Opal Nelson and later moved to Salt Lake and Kearns where he attended and graduated from Granger High School. Shortly after graduating, dad honorably volunteered to serve our country in the Marine Corps attending boot camp at Camp Pendelton and was stationed and served in Vietnam from 1965 to 1967 during the war. Jay was a proud Veteran and member of the Marines. He displayed this appreciation for all to see on his hats, shirts, and stickers on both his house and truck. Following his service, Jay worked for Tooele Army Depot and later the United States Postal Service where he spent the majority of his career and later retired.

Jay married the love of his life, Joanne, later divorced, and they had two children. Jay is survived by his two children, Stephenie Gordon (Tom) and Jerred Nelson (Shanon) and five grandchildren, Chelsea Gordon, Chance Gordon, Dallan Nelson, Brooklynne Nelson and Davis Nelson. Jay is preceded in death by his parents, Dallas Jay Sr. & Opal, Joanne, and his brother Robert “Bob” Maughan.

“Jay Bird’s” greatest joy was spending time with his family and countless friends. Jay is a great example of what a Dad should be. Honorable, fun, supportive, hardworking and loving. He had a very close group of friends, one that is rare these days (The Delton Bowling Lanes group). This tight knit group spent a lot of time together over the past 60+ years, whether it be joking with one another, camping, fishing, hunting, golfing, and playing softball. As Dad got older, these same friends stayed close and were known to stop by for visits, to drive dad to doctor’s appointments, work on his house and provide many other acts of true friendship. To know him is to love him!

Dad, we will miss you greatly and always remember and cherish our time together. Thinking of you will continue to bring a smile to our faces. May you rest in peace surrounded by your loved ones, free from the discomfort that you’ve been living with for quite some time. Until we see each other again.

Love you Dad and Grandpa!