He passed away at home on April 21, 2019, surrounded by his family. Jay grew up in the Sugarhouse area, living in the same home since he was 13. Jay worked for Utah Idaho School Supply for several decades. Jay was the quintessential handyman. He always had to be working on something. Jay didn’t feel you should call someone to do repairs, he should do them. If he didn’t know how, he found a book and learned himself. He also bought all the latest tools to help with his projects. He also purchased a few back up ones, in case something happened to the original. He would always say “they don’t make things the way they used to”. He could do it all: plumbing, electrical, auto body work, sewing (dune buggy covers to quilts), home remodeling, and engine repair to name a few. Going to Jay’s garage or shop was like going to Home Depot and Lowes combined. You could always find what you were looking for.
Jay married Cherie Miner on October 22, 1965. They enjoyed fifty three and half years together. They complimented each other perfectly and were never apart. Jay enjoyed hunting, water skiing, scuba diving, sailing, dune bugging riding, photography, and of course time with his wife and daughter. Just like with his tools, Jay always had the latest equipment for his hobbies. Jay’s favorite place, along with his daughter, was Bear Lake. He built his own cabin with the help of his friends. He also built his own sailboat. Summers were spent at “the lake”. Jay’s family is forever grateful for all of his hard work both at home and at Bear Lake. Jay was quiet but had a quick wit. He was a very hard worker who didn’t like excuses. Jay passed on his home remodeling skills to his daughter whose answer to everything is “my Dad taught me”.
Jay was preceded in death by his parents, infant son Jared Nordgran, one sister and six brothers, and the two beagles (Maggie and Sadie). He is survived by his wife of fifty-three years Cherie, his daughter and son in-law Kim and Dave Schoepp, his sister Bessie Lowther, and Charley, his dog. He will forever be missed. Jay was cremated and a private celebration of life will be held. The family would like to thank Valeo Home Health and Hospice for their care and attention they gave Jay. (Angie, Kylee, Kerry, and Amber).
The family owes a BIG THANK YOU to Pita and Latu Fonua for their love and thoughtful care. Pita was Jay’s private caregiver for his last month and the reason he was able to remain at home. Please consider a donation in Jay’s name to Rescue Rovers Dog Adoptions (rescuerovers.org).
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