Jay Melvin Jeffery

Jay Melvin Jeffery, 96(or as Jay said in his 97th year), of Morgan, Utah, passed away on October 8, 2026, at Ogden Regional Hospital, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of faith, education, service, and love for his family. 

Jay was born in Delta, Utah. Raised and adopted by his aunt Adeline Buchanan Jeffery, and her husband, Irvin Ether Jeffery. As the youngest in a family of seven older siblings. Jay, affectionately called “Buddy” as a young child, learned the value of hard work on the family farm and was deeply influenced by his mother’s spirituality and love of life. 

After graduating from Delta High School, Jay served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the North Central States Mission. He later earned a degree in accounting from Brigham Young University, where he met the love of his life, Bonnie Vernice Ferguson. They were married in the Manti Utah Temple on Friday, March 13, 1953, and began a lifelong partnership centered on faith, family, and service. A devoted BYU Cougar fan, Jay maintained his enthusiasm for the University throughout his life.

Jay’s career in education took his family from Chicago, Illinois, to Delta, Utah; Temple View, New Zealand; Fredonia, Arizona; and finally, Morgan, Utah. He taught seminary, served as a school administrator, and earned a master’s degree in Educational Administration and a Doctor of Education Degree from BYU. He served as Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Morgan before becoming Director of Public-school Finance for the State of Utah. Even after retiring, he continued consulting with school districts throughout the state, sharing his knowledge and experience. 

Jay’s life was distinguished by his faithful service in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as a Bishop in New Zealand, a Counselor in the Bishopric, a Stake Executive Secretary, High Councilor, Primary and Sunday School teacher and leader, and in many other callings. He and Bonnie served as full-time missionaries in the Cherry Hill, New Jersey Mission in 1998. He also served as a temple worker for more than 20 years. His testimony of Jesus Christ and his willingness to serve remained central to his life. 

Jay and Bonnie raised 12 children; Melvin, Dennis, Lucy, Jaeleen, Jonathan, Tawa, Maria, Vernice, Paul, Phillip, Julia, and Michelle. Their family continues to grow as each child has married and gave him 59 grandchildren and 75 great-grandchildren with more to come. Jay is survived by 175 descendants

Jay delighted in attending his family members’ baptisms, sports events, theater productions, graduations and other activities and acknowledgments. Whether building a home in Arizona or recruiting his family to help construct his dream garage in Morgan, he taught through example, hard work, and time spent together.

Later in life, he discovered his biological family in Canada and was joyfully welcomed by the Christensen family. The families now get together to share reunions, stories, prayers and love for each other.

Above all his professional accomplishments, Jay considered his family his greatest achievement. He devoted himself to being a loving patriarch, making sure each family member felt valued, included, and loved. He will be remembered for his steadfast faith, tireless work ethic, resourcefulness, devotion to education, and enduring love for his family. His legacy of faith and service will continue through the generations who were blessed to know him. Funeral Services

A viewing will be held:

Friday, November 27, 2026, from 6:00–8:00 p.m., and Saturday, November 28, from 9:45–10:45 a.m., followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Milton, Utah located at: 1255 North Morgan Valley Drive, Morgan, Utah

Interment at Milton Cemetery following Funeral

In lieu of flowers, please donate to:

National MS Society

American Cancer Society

Philanthropies Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints