Jay C Wilkinson passed away unexpectedly at his home on June 20th, 2023 at age 91. He was born in Vineyard, Utah on March 21st, 1932, to Jay C Wilkinson and Florence Gadd Wilkinson, the 7th of 10 children. He grew up in Orem, Utah and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1950. He met his sweetheart, Fern Morrill, the love of his life, during their teen years. Their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on November 28th, 1951. They are the parents of five children.

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Jay C had a love for others and it showed in his countenance. He was always there for anyone who needed his help. He had great wisdom, particularly when it came to finances, and he gladly shared his knowledge with others. He had a sweet gentle personality and the grandchildren & great grandchildren loved and gravitated to him. One of his favorite things was receiving bear hugs from each of them. People were naturally drawn to Jay C because of his loving demeanor and fun personality.

Jay C had a strong testimony and love for the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and lived by it. He was always active in the church and served in many callings, including several years as a ward clerk. One of his favorite callings was serving with Fern in the branch located at the American Fork Hospital. Jay C’s love for others, coupled with his life-long dependability, were evident as he never missed a home teaching or ministering visit throughout his entire life. Jay C & Fern served together several years as temple workers in the Mount Timpanogos Temple. They also served a family history mission together for the church. Jay C enjoyed all his callings but especially enjoyed the callings where he and Fern worked together.

“He was the best of the best and will be missed by everybody that knew him.”

Jay C served in the Army where he served as a military policeman. It was while he was serving in the Army when their first born child, Larry, was born. Jay C retired from Geneva Steel.

Jay C was a passionate golfer and was a big BYU and Utah Jazz fan. Jay C participated in football, wrestling, and pole vaulting in high school, where he was extremely competitive. He also sang in the all-state high school chorus at Temple Square.

Jay C was the most wonderful father! He loved Fern and his children more than anything in the world. He was a loving, caring and outstanding dad and grandfather. He worked hard to provide for his family and was patient and soft spoken. His kind heart was happiest when he was with his family. He loved to make people laugh, had a great sense of humor and provided many warm hugs. In short, he was the best of the best and will be missed by everybody that knew him. He touched many lives wherever he went.

Jay C is survived by his wife, Fern of 71+ years of marriage, their children Larry (Sherri) Wilkinson, Joyce Ruch, Merlin (Valerie) Wilkinson, Janice (Todd) Spencer, Kevin (Aleta) Wilkinson, his 24 grandchildren, 63 great grandchildren and his brother, Garth Wilkinson.

Jay C is preceded in death by his parents, Jay C and Florence, his siblings; Clyde, Keith, Wayne, Beth Garlick, Rulon, Glade, Lavar, Russell, his son-in-law, Gregory Ruch, his grandson, Joshua Wilkinson, and his great grandchildren, Chandie Palmer and Tayson Clark.

Funeral services will be held Monday, June 26th at 11:00 am at the American Fork 12th ward chapel located at 673 East 300 North American Fork, Utah. Viewings will be held Sunday, June 25th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Anderson and Sons Mortuary located at 49 East 100 North St., American Fork and Monday, June 26th from 9:45 am to 10:45 am, prior to the funeral, at 673 East 300 North American Fork, Utah. Internment will be held at the American Fork Cemetery.