John "Jack" Charles Armstrong

John Charles “Jack” Armstrong of West Valley City, Utah, passed away on Friday, April 3, 2026, at age 87 surrounded by his loving family, after battling cancer for more than a decade. He was a model son, husband, brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, cousin, friend, and neighbor. He was a true gentleman with endless positivity and strength of character who was an everlasting inspiration to all; his integrity, honesty, patience, and kindness made him easily loved by everyone who met him. He was rare and cherished—and ever will be.

Son of Orson Eugene (Art) Armstrong and Martha Julia Neuman of Salt Lake City, Utah, Jack was the 6th of 8 children and the first boy in the family. He grew up in Salt Lake City, establishing his tireless work ethic early by selling newspapers. Jack graduated from Cyprus High School in 1957 where he excelled in football and basketball. After graduating, he joined the U.S. Army, where he advanced his athletic talents in football, baseball, and boxing. He was ultimately stationed in Greenland, about which he was less than thrilled, but his C.O. assured him that “there’s a woman behind every tree.” Alas, there were no trees in Greenland.

In 1958, he married his high school sweetheart, Carol Ann Colonna Armstrong, to whom he was married for 67 years. Initially, they lived in Bountiful, Utah, then moved in 1967 to Hunter (now West Valley City) to be closer to work and family. Jack was a devoted and loving father to 4 children. He worked as a boilermaker by trade at Kennecott Copper, from which he retired in 1992. In retirement, he worked at the airport where he loved watching the planes take off and land and he also drove an armored truck.

Jack’s pride and joy was his family and he had a memorable story to tell about each person. He loved spending time with them in the backyard, playing with the kids, joking with the adults, and eating apples and figs right off the tree. He picked hundreds of bushels of tomatoes and fruit, waiting anxiously for Carol’s salsa and jams to be made. He loved to share his kitchen table with friends and family, who he always welcomed with open arms. A close second to loving his family and food, Jack loved watching sports—especially the Utah Jazz and University of Utah football—as well as NCIS, The Equalizer, Chicago PD, and Chicago Fire.

Jack is survived by his wife, Carol Armstrong; his children: Jack Armstrong, Scott Armstrong, Marianne Stewart, Jeff (Sandy) Armstrong; grandchildren: Christopher, Jeremy, Alicia, Scotty (Aubrey), Zachery (Rosey), Calley (Chuy), Giovanni, Domenic (Emily), Delaney, Cameron, and Mackenzie; and 18 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Blanche Loyola, brother, Clifford Armstrong, and numerous extended family members. He is preceded in death by his parents and sisters: Dorothy Snow, Martha Regis, Ruth Johnson, LaRaine Rothey, and Charlyne Stephens; and his in-laws: Leonard and Mary Ann Colonna and sister-in-law, Pam Verberg.

A Visitation will be held at Valley View Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 4335 West 4100 South, West Valley City, UT 84120, US, on April 10, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. With a graveside service to follow at Valley View Memorial Park and Funeral Home.