Jack Spencer Burt passed away on November 4, 2023, at the age of 76, due to heart complications. He leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and selflessness. His memory will continue to inspire the many people who knew and loved him.
Born on May 6, 1947, to Jack West Burt and Ruth Glendora Spencer, Jack would go on to become the eldest of six siblings. In his youth, he was a passionate sports enthusiast, participating in football and wrestling for Granite High School, where he proudly graduated in 1965. On December 17, 1965, Jack married his sweetheart Sherry Bagley in the Salt Lake Temple and together, they embarked on a 58-year journey that blessed them with 7 children, 17 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.
In 1966, Jack answered the call to serve his country and was drafted into the U.S. Army. His service was marked by dedication and sacrifice, which included sustaining a life-altering back injury. Despite the challenges he faced, he was granted an honorable discharge. Upon his return to civilian life, Jack began his career working for the Rio Grande Railroad.
His determination to provide for his family remained unshaken, even after being forced to retire at the age of 38 due to a serious knee injury which ended his career with the Rio Grande Railroad.
Jack possessed a unique gift for auto-mechanics and could fix anything with his expertise. He loved all things automobiles, trains, and motors. He was a car washing, shoe shining, pocket knife carrying, train track loving man willing to help at all times. Jack had an exceptional ability to visualize solutions for repairing whatever he was given that was damaged, broken, or falling apart, both in the mechanical world and, more importantly, in the lives of those who were feeling broken or in need of help.
Jack’s work ethic was unwavering, and his selfless service to others was a testament to his character. He never sought praise or attention; he simply showed up, gave his all, and left when the job was done. His Christlike service impacted many lives through his steadfast strength. Jack exemplified the values of hard work and dedication, teaching others the profound importance of service.
As a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jack faithfully served as a counselor in the bishopric and as a High Priest Group Leader. However, his most cherished calling was as a husband, father, and grandfather. Jack’s love for his family was boundless, and he found his greatest joy when he was surrounded by his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Jack is preceded in death by his parents, Jack West Burt and Ruth Glendora Burt as well as his daughter, Sandra Kaye. He is survived by his loving wife, Sherry; his children Aleisha Burt, Kelli (Eddie) Matua, Aaron Burt, Spencer (Amber) Burt, Steven (Jennie) Burt, Jackie (Michael) King, 17 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, his siblings, and their spouses. He will be deeply missed but we find peace knowing that families are forever.
A viewing to honor Jack’s memory will be held on Thursday, November 9, 2023, from 6:00-8:00 pm and Friday, November 10, 2023, at 9:30-10:30 am. The funeral service will commence at 11:00 am. All services will take place at 1845 East 7200 South, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121. The interment will be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens 1950 East 10600 South Sandy, UT 84092.
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Sending my condolences to the Burt family. Jack was always a kind and generous person. He is someone I always think about when have memories of my childhood. I will always remember hearing the radio playing with the garage open on Saturday’s at the Burt home.
Everything written in Jack’s obituary is true. He was a gentle giant who served his family, friends and the Lord. He did all this in-spite of his constant pain. He’s the only one I’ve ever heard of who got the church to buy a snowblower so he could shovel the widows walks. I remember him offering advice and suggestions to do many of us about our car problems. The important thing to me that I cherish about Jack was the gleam in his eye and the smile that both radiated his love. His devoted family cared for him and supported him through many tough times. From my perspective Jack has graduated from life with honors. Best wishes to Sherry and the family. Love you - Rod
I don’t have words to express my sympathy for the family of this little giant of a man. Nothing but great memories of him growing up in that neighborhood. If it was broke, he fixed it and did it with a smile and a heart of service. I’ll always be grateful for the example he was to all of us in the neighborhood.
We sure love you and your family❤️ it was so heartbreaking to hear of the passing of our beloved Brother Jack. We send hugs and love to each of you and pray you feel peace now and in the years to come. What an incredible man and friend he was to us and everyone that knew him. He’s our example of service, love and endurance. Our lives are richer and so blessed to have known him. He will be missed but will remain in our hearts and minds forever. What a blessing to have him as your father and husband and to leave you such an incredible legacy. You each hold a special place in our hearts. We love you all ❤️❤️❤️
Karen and I want to extend our heartfelt love to the entire Burt family. Our memories of Jack are bright and fill us with warmth and love. Jack was a pillar of strength and his dedicated faith and service touched our lives and our hearts through many years and in many ways. I hope when I get to Heaven I can shine Jacks shoes. Our love and prayers to each of you.
Dear Sherry & Family,
I am so sorry for your loss of your husband & Father & Grandpa & Great Grandpa! I am sure you are all comforted knowing Jack is no longer in any pain & you will all be reunited one day. Love Linda
We send our condolences from our mission in Italy. Jack gave remarkable Christ-like service that made our ward and neighborhood a much better place. No one will ever know all the acts of service he gave, often anonymously. We were privileged to see the impact of his giving. Sherry is a devoted disciple of Christ in her own right, and the two of them are a remarkable team.
I am so sorry to hear about my good friend. I was privileged to have continued our friendship after he retired from the railroad. he was a great business partner. He was always there when you needed him. You can never say to many good things about him. rest in peace my friend. you will be missed. j.p.
We (my Dad and I) were out of the country but still able to attend via technology. I’ve certainly been blessed by Jack over the years but especially when I was young. Our families grew up together and I’ve always felt closer to family than friends despite not being around recently. Jack has always been a light to me and I love him and I’m mourning with you! Great to see all of the family again and hear their wonderful talks.
Love
Dan
We all knew that Jack Loved to help others, especially with their car problems. One evening i was repairing the brakes of the kids Volkswagon Rabbit. It was late, I was tired and desperately needed his help. These type of brakes use fairly heavy springs that need to be stretched when reinstalling them. I sent Jack an SOS and as usual he was Johnny on the spot. Now, I don't know if many of you knew, but Jack was prone to passing out at the site of blood. As we were finishing the installation I was stretching one of those springs with a set of needle nose pliers. Well, the pliers slipped and went directly into my left forearm and blood came spurting out shooting past Jack in several long spurts. I immediately grabbed my arm to stop the bleeding and looked at Jack to see if he was still with me. Fortunately he was calm and cool and went to the door, got the car keys from Judy and drove me to the ER. I loved this good man and all he did for so many people. Jack and I also spent many hours together in the foyer listening and watching, thru the door, our sons play church basketball. We were often too animated to be allowed on the visitor sidelines.
Long ago; many may remember that Tracy Rollings used to give out secret Santa baskets to needy Families. At the time no one new who the secret Santa was. Tracy was killed in a tragic auto accident. I didn't know at the time that Tracy was that secret Santa until we were called into the Bishopric and Bishop Orton informed us it was Tracy. I tell you this because I remember Jack bearing testimony in Elders Quorum. He and Sherry had been the recipient of one of these baskets and it had a $100 bill in it. Jack's family was in great need at the time. Jack really wanted to know who had given them the basket so he could properly thank that person. Then he said, "he was truly glad that he didn't know because he could believe that it was any of the brothers in that quorum surrounding him. He went around the room and pointed to several of the brothers as he went and said I can believe it was you, etc. I was really impressed with the love he felt for all of us. HE WAS A GOOD MAN
