Dean Jay Powell

Dean Jay Powell was born July 21st, 1933 in Egin, Idaho to Katie Mason Powell and Floyd Henry Powell, on the family farm, 2 months Premature. Grandma “Nellie” Powell had a bucket of ice water in which she dipped Jay every time his breathing would get too shallow or stop. She would quickly dry him off, wrap him up, and place him back in the shoe box upon the wood burning stove to watch his breathing patterns again. He survived through the night and had no related health issues throughout his life.

Born during the depression, Jay grew up in Egin and attended school in Fremont County, playing, learning, and growing with his siblings. Catching magpies, swimming and fishing in Henry’s Fork, and enjoying an ice-cold coke from time to time.

After Jay graduated from South Fremont High School in St. Anthony, he held a few odd jobs, one of which took him to Island Park to assist with building the railroad. It was during this time he would meet the love of his life, Patricia Helen Collett in West Yellowstone, Montana. They were married on October 24th, 1953.

They welcomed their first son, David Jay on August 18th, 1954.

Jay was drafted for the Korean War soon after and was stationed in France. He served from 1954 to 1956, in which he drove an ambulance. After his return home, he attended Idaho State College in Pocatello where he became an accountant. During his time in college, he tried his “hands” at boxing, where he was really good but as Jay put it, he “lacked the ‘killer instinct’” so he didn’t continue on that path. 

On November 2nd, 1957, Jay and Patrica welcomed their first Daughter, Tami Diane. Jay worked vigorously to support his family while in college and successfully did so. On January 5th, 1959 they welcomed their second son, Floyd H. It was that same year Jay graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree in Business.

He immediately started working for JR Simplot Company, April 18th 1959, and had a successful career with them for 34 years, retiring on April 1st 1993. During this time Jay was able to have an outlet for one of his passions, track and field. The Bennion games had just ended and Jay had made a suggestion during a staff meeting that Simplot should take on the games and keep them going. This began Jay’s involvement/piloting of The Simplot Games, a track and field event for high school athletes that still occurs to this day and brings participants from all over the world. Every year in February, Jay would spend countless hours preparing for and executing the Simplot Games.

In April of 1965, Jay and Patricia had Jayne Marie and Jerome Dean, twins.

Jay’s other passion included waterfalls and nature as a whole and would take his children as well as his brother Lee’s children to go scout waterfalls and springs, as well as camping. He particularly loved the Grand Teton Mountains and Cave Falls.

On March 22nd, 1971 Jay and Patricia welcomed their third daughter, Jill Renee.

From January 21st 1975 to November 12th 1976, Jay ran and logged 1000 miles with ROTC’s “Run for your Life” program. Jay estimated he ran nearly 43,000 miles in his lifetime. When Jay retired in 1993, he spent the majority of his time with his grandkids, camping, fishing, and hiking for waterfalls. As many of his grandkids grew older, they shared his love of running and Jay would go to watch them in their cross country and track meets.

In the later years of life Jay and Patricia became more involved in the LDS church. On the evening of August 3rd, 2017 Jays life changed when his wife Patricia passed away in their home. Jay had their relationship sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple August 8th, 2018.

Jay has spent the last years of his life serving on the Board of Directors for the Pocatello Simplot Credit Union (40+ Years as a Volunteer), enjoying his family, and being involved in the LDS church. On the night of August 4th, 2023 he passed away peacefully in his home.

Jay is survived by his 6 children, 15 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren, and 7 great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia; grandson, Eric; granddaughter, Kristen; brothers, Rex, Jack, Wayne, and Lee; and sisters, Yvonne and Marilyn.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, August 10, 2023 from 6-8 pm at Colonial Chapel, 2005 S. 4th Ave. Pocatello, ID.

Funeral services will be on Friday, August 11, 2023 at 2 pm at the LDS church, 2000 S. Fairway Drive, with a viewing for one hour prior to the services. Burial, with military honors, will follow at Mountain View Cemetery, 1520 S. 5th Ave. Pocatello, ID. at 3:30 pm.

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