In Loving Memory of Jackson Lee Penrod
December 6, 1963 – November 22, 2023
Jackson Lee Penrod, 59, of Draper, Utah, passed away peacefully at his home on November 22, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones. He leaves behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, and an unwavering love for life.
Jackson was born in Honolulu, Hawaii and grew up in Los Fresnos, Texas. He was the son of Ray and Lanell Penrod. He left Texas in 1984 to enlist in the US Navy, and in 1988, while on temporary assignment in Bahrain, he met the love of his life, Julie Vance. The two married the following year in Stockton, England. In 2000 Julie gave birth to their son, Samuel.
Jackson served a 23-year military career, first as an aviation electronics technician aboard the USS Midway, where he was first introduced to Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) community. He qualified to attend EOD dive school at the Naval Dive and Salvage Training Center (NDSTC). Panama City Florida in 1986, and then on to EOD Assistant school in Indian Head, Maryland. After a two-year tour at EOD Mobile Unit 5 in the Philippines, Jackson returned to NDSTC and Indian Head to complete his Basic Technician qualification. From there he was assigned to MU 9 in Vallejo, California where he deployed on the USS Nimitz for Operation Desert Storm. Next was MU 3 Det Point Mugu, California, followed by EOD MU 2 in Norfolk, Virginia, where he served deployments on the USS Enterprise, in Kosovo and Afghanistan. Jackson retired as a Chief Petty Officer in December 2006.
Throughout his life, Jackson was known for his ability to teach and mentor those around him. When he relocated with his family to Draper, Utah, he had the opportunity to earn his bachelor’s degree in Earth Science with a teaching component from the University of Utah. He taught middle school science in the Jordan School District until 2016. His students loved his fun and enthusiastic style.
Jackson was deeply loved by his family and friends and will always be remembered for his fun and playful sense of humor. He was a proud and doting father to his son, Sam. He had a passion for shooting, fishing, camping, and collecting military memorabilia. Jackson approached everything he did with an enthusiasm that touched the lives of those around him.
Jackson is survived by his wife Julie, son Sam, his parents Ray and Lanell Penrod, siblings Gelinda Clark, (David), Suzanne Phillips (Jack), Kelly Penrod (Michael Winters), Jessie Johnson (David) and Sara Sanders (John), his mother and father-in-law, Pauline and Brian Vance as well as his nieces and nephews, who will cherish the memories of his love and guidance. He was preceded in death by his sister Joy Munoz.
He will be dearly missed by his friends, teammates and all those whose lives were touched by his zeal for life. Though gone from our sight, Jackson’s spirit lives on in the hearts and memories for all who were fortunate enough to know him.
A Memorial service honoring Jackson’s life will be held at 11:00 am on December 9, 2023, at Larkin Sunset Gardens 1950 E. 10600S, Sandy, Utah. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the EOD warrior Foundation Scholarship Fund in his memory https://eodwarriorfoundation.org/.
Julie and Sam, our continued prayers are with you. We have so many wonderful memories of spending time with Jay and both of you. We couldn’t have asked for better neighbors when we moved to Utah. We send you our love and support.
Suzanne, Jim, Ben, Phil & Jacob
So sorry, my thoughts are with you.
Jackson was a remarkable down to earth person. My son got the pleasure of spending quite a lot of time with him and his son Sam and Kyle adored him. He will be sorely missed. God bless Julie and Sam and the rest of the family! Our hearts, our prayers and our love is with you.
Julie truly sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family. You all in my thoughts and prayers.
Always,
Wanda
Condolences to Julie, Sam, and the rest of the Penrod family. J-Rod was my first Leading Petty Officer at EODMU2 Det 26, Little Creek VA. He was an incredible EOD Technician and mentor to us new EOD Techs on the team.
Julie and Sam,
I am so sorry for your loss, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Rest in Peace Warrior!!
Ride easy my friend ,, your one of the Best
Imagine if you will, a family on holiday from a long way, away, New Zealand to be exact...Warmly welcomed into The Penrod 'whanau', this is the NZ/ancestral Maori language, for 'family' - because this was how we were made to feel, Jack in particular having a strong and everlasting presence, on my son Benji, who made a special connection with. We wish to extend our heartfelt warmest wishes and condolences to Julie and Sam, and for them to know, the special memories we have of our time in Utah. In Maori, NZ language, the ancestors say 'Ka kite ano, Jack', which means "Go well Jack, with love and deepest respect".
Nothing but fond and warm memories of J-Rod. I couldn’t have had a better Leading Petty Officer to learn from for my first tour as a Basic EOD Tech assigned to EODMU Two. I’m sure I frustrated him often on that Med Float. He was a very skilled operator yet always thought of Julie when the opportunities for liberty came. I’m sad you’re gone and I am grieving for your family.
Fair winds and following seas JROD!
Condolences to Gelinda Clark , the sister of Jackson Lee Penrod and to the rest of his family at his passing.
So sorry for your loss. I have great memories of Jackson, I still have a riggers belt and aviation helmet bag that he sewed up for me in the early 90s at MU9. Glad he found peace, my condolences.
So sorry for your loss. I have great memories of Jackson, I still have a riggers belt and aviation helmet bag that he sewed up for me in the early 90s at MU9. Glad he found peace, my condolences.
RIP EOD warrior- fond memories during EOD school and during our EOD career, JROD was a great person, father and husband. He will be missed every day!! Gone too young!!!
The Burlington family
Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. We are so sorry for your loss. Our family will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry Jack , you were a great person. I have a lot of good memories of our times together.
When you lived with us in San Diego and Portland Oregon for a time.Love to your wife and son , Sleep in peace my son
I was J-Rod's OIC on several dive and demo jobs. He was a joy to have on the team. Everyone loved him . He was an all-around great teammate, never complained about anything and always worked to help everyone and solve whatever issue was in front of us. I am and all his teammates deeply saddened to hear of his passing. Truely one of the great men in a very dangerous profession and a treasured lifelong friend. Blue skies, fair winds and following seas, J-Rod. We'll see you on the other side.
I remember Jackson as a fearless, humorous person and know he loved the EOD community. It was an honor to have him in our community. Although we never served on the same team, Jackson had a great reputation.
My condolences to all his family & friends.
Thinking of you, Julie and Sam. I know how difficult the last several years have been for Jay (Jackson) and you. While his loss is so very sad, my heart is full knowing that his mind and body are finally at peace. I wish you both comfort, love and peace during this time.
Love,
Jen
Its funny when I look back and think about every Detachment, Platoon, Mobile Unit, Training Unit, and even NECC. I always said to myself this was the best job I ever had.
Specifically, I remember most of my days at Pt Mugu so vividly except for the Christmas Parties. Those usually ended in a blur. Jackson (Jay) Penrod was such a foundation to our organization because of many reasons. Jay would very rarely get flustered or overly excited and there were many reasons to get overly excited. If you needed a partner for the Pt Mugu Annual Triathalon Team race that you knew was coming and you forgot about. You could call Jay the morning of and he would be there before you.
Jay's patience, calmness, and willingness to help at the drop of a hat were what set him apart from the rest of the meat eaters. I am sad that he is gone and that I did not keep in touch. He was a part of my life at a time when I was bouncing all over the place and trying to locate myself. Jay's indirect way of getting involved was his secret weapon and I am glad I knew him in this life. Julie - my condolences to you and the family and if there is anything I or the community can assist with please let me know.
Julie I’m so sorry for your loss, my deepest condolences to you and the whole family. I was fortunate enough to meet JROD onboard the Kilauea as a”31”, join him in EOD School and serve with him again later at EODMU2. His quick wit, sense of humor, love of family and honest approach in life was a gift. He was a great teammate and friend and will be missed.
My thoughts and love are with you and Sam. You are a wonderful example of strength for us all. May Jay rest now and watch over you both forever. Love you.
Jay, you were one of a kind. I throughly enjoyed being stationed with you, deploying with you, and just hanging out with you. You will surely be missed by many people. Rest in Peace.
Harry
You are in my thought & prayers Julie. There are many wonderful memories of our time together in California. Jay & Rob together were truly a pair.
Much love ~~ Diane Cude