Jay Golden Jensen

Jay Golden Jensen died January 18, 2015, in Orem, Utah, after a long illness. Jay was residing at Ashford Assisted Living in Highland, Utah, prior to his death. He was 91 years of age. Jay was born in Pocatello, Idaho, on February 8, 1924, the oldest child of J. Golden and Myrtle Lillie Jensen. He married his high school sweetheart, Mary Donna Jones, in the Idaho Falls Temple on November 17, 1948. Jay and Mary Donna were married for 61 years when Mary Donna passed away in 2010. Jay was raised in Pocatello and lived there for 76 years. He graduated in 1942 from Pocatello High School where he excelled in athletics, scholastics, and leadership. Jay was an exceptional athlete and an outstanding basketball player. He was named to the All State team three years straight and was captain of the All State team his senior year. Jay served as class president, student body vice-president, and student body president. He attended Boys State where he was elected Governor, and he won the Idaho State Oratorical Tournament. Jay enrolled at Idaho Southern Branch (now Idaho State University) in 1942 and enlisted in the Navy's V-12 Officer Training program. He continued to excel in basketball for two years and was the Student Body President before he was transferred to Notre Dame to complete his Naval Officer training. Jay was commissioned as a Naval Officer in October, 1944, and served in the Pacific Theater until the end of the war. In 1946, Jay enrolled at Brigham Young University where he starred on the basketball team for two more years and was an All-American candidate. He graduated from BYU in 1948 with a BS in Education. He went on to earn his Masters Degree in Education at Idaho State College in 1958. Jay was given the opportunity to return to Poky High where he taught History and coached basketball for 5 years. In 1956, Jay was hired as the Director of Housing at Idaho State College. He later became Dean of Men. In 1970, he was named Dean of Student Affairs where he remained until his retirement in 1989. Throughout his long and distinguished career at ISU, Jay was known and honored for his ability to lovingly guide and counsel young people. He continued to have a profound impact on those he knew, including his grandchildren, young church members, and even his CNAs in the twilight of his life. Due to health issues, Jay and Mary Donna moved from their beloved Pocatello to Tracy, CA, in 2000 to live with their daughter Leesa, her husband Tom and their family. For the remainder of their lives, Jay and Mary Donna were cared for by Leesa and her family. Jay moved to Highland, UT, with Leesa and Tom in 2012. Jay was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in numerous leadership positions in his ward and the East Pocatello Stake. He was active in the community, serving as Chairman of the United Campaign, UNICEF, and the Bannock Regional Medical Center Board of Directors for many years. While on the Bannock board, he was instrumental in obtaining the first Life Flight services in Southeast Idaho. Jay was an active sportsman throughout his life. He participated in handball, racquetball, and owned horses. He was a member of the Bannock County Sherriffs Mounted Posse for many years. He won numerous awards with his horsemanship while riding his champion Arabian, Nefarr, during Posse competitions across the state. Jay is survived by his son, Jay G. Jensen Jr. (Janet) Riverton, UT; daughter Leesa Steele (Tom) Highland, UT; brother, Reed Jensen (Brigette), Bloomington, IL; brother, Richard Jensen, St. George, UT. Jay had 9 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. Jay was preceded in death by Mary Donna, his wife; two infant children, Brett Thomas and Karen Ann; his brother, Gordon; and his parents. Services will be on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 11 am at the LDS church, 42 Princeton Ave. Pocatello, Idaho 83201with a viewing for one hour prior. Visitation will be on Friday, January 22, 2016 from 6-8 pm at Colonial Funeral Home 2005 S. 4th Ave. Pocatello, Idaho 83201, 208-233-1500. Burial, with Military Honors, will follow at Mountain View Cemetery, 1520 S. 5th Ave. Pocatello, Idaho 83204. Condolences may be made to the family online at www.colonial-funeralhome.com

Visitation

01/23/2016 10:00

11:00:00

Colonial Chapel

2005 S 4th Ave

Pocatello

Idaho

83201



Visitation

01/22/2016 18:00

20:00:00

LDS Princeton Building

42 Princeton Ave.

Pocatello

Idaho

83201



Funeral Service

01/23/2016 11:00



Colonial Chapel

2005 S 4th Ave

Pocatello

Idaho

83201