Jay was born on June 12, 1943 in Murray, Utah and died March 8, 2023 in Murray, Utah. He was the son of Oscar Julius and Cleo Petersen Levine. He was the second child and only son; he had 4 sisters. He grew up in Sandy in the house built by his dad. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
He graduated from Jordan High School in 1961. He married his high school sweetheart and best friend, Vicky Lee Atkinson on February 13, 1964.
They had two daughters, Mindy and Rennie. He was the best dad anyone could have asked for. He said he was blessed to have such a great family, but we say we were the ones who were blessed to have such amazing parents. He was a devoted husband, dad, grandpa, and friend.
He had five grandchildren, Easton, Ciera, Nash, Wyatt, and Kylee, they thought he was awesome! He also loved his great grandchildren; Addison, Avery and McCade. He would spend almost every Tuesday and Thursday visiting the two little girls. He always had a treat for them, whether it was a Twinkie, Starbursts or Junior Mints.
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Jay worked in construction most of his life. He was a mechanic, welder and a heavy equipment and crane operator. His last project he worked on before he retired was the reconstruction of the I-15 freeway. He was a proud member of the Operating Engineers Local 3, he had 50 years of service with the union. He was grateful for his membership and couldn’t say enough for all the benefits he received.
He loved camping and spending time with his family and friends in the great outdoors. Whether it was hunting; deer, elk, antelope, pheasant, geese, ducks; he did it all.
After retiring his favorite pastime was buying, repairing, cleaning, and selling saddles. He couldn’t pass up a yard sale just incase there was horse tack he could get a good deal on.
Everyone knew Jay, he was the man in the cowboy hat and the man that had a story to tell. He had a gift for gab! He was also the guy you called if you needed to borrow a tool or something fixed. He was always willing to help a friend in need.
He is preceded in death by his sweet bride, Vicky, his parents, step-mom Amelia, his brother-in-law George Ross Nelson. He is survived by his two daughters, Mindy (Rick) Wissler, Rennie (Mike)Acerson. His grandkids, Easton (Chelsea) Wissler, Nash Wissler, Ciera (Carson) Nielsen, Wyatt (Sarah) Acerson, and Kylee Acerson. His great-grandkids, Addison, Avery and McCade. His sisters Lois Nelson, Judy Levine, Rhea (Ron) Adamek, Polla (Pat) Vaculin and many extended relatives.
A visitation will be held on Monday, March 13, 2023, from 6-8 pm at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E Dimple Dell Road (10600 S) Sandy Utah 84092. A visitation will also be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, from 10 am to 10:45 am with the funeral services to begin at 11:00 am. The interment will follow the funeral service at Larkin Sunset Gardens cemetery.
I WILL MISS ALL THE 'ADVENTURES" WE DID WITH JAY & VICKY, WHEN EVER YOU SAID JAY IT WAS ALWAYS
FOLLOWED WITH VICKY. JUST LIKE BREAD & BUTEER THEY ALWAYS WENT TOGETHER. I HAVE BEEN FRIENDS
WITH BOTH & ALONG WITH MY BRIDE RUTH ANN IT WAS ALWAYS A GREAT TIME. IF IT WAS BREAKFAST AT JIM'S ON SATURDAY OR A TRIP TO CODY WYOMING, I CHERISH THE TRIPS & DUCK HUNTS AT THE BASIN WITH JAY & OSCAR, THERE HAS NEVER BEEN GREATER FRIEND IN MY LIFETIME. I MISS YOU BOTH.
I have know Jay for over 45 years. He was a good man and a friend to all. We worked together at W P Harlin over the years. I am so happy he is back with his Miss Vicky. He will be missed.
I'm sorry you lost Jay He was a great character and fun to have around and talk to.
What a great man with 2 of the best daughters a dad can have! Love you all!
Kelli Sundell
Dear Renee and Mindy
This is Letty and just want you to know how sorry I am about your dad passing,
You have always been in my heart ❤️ and I have kept so many memories of your beautiful mother and family ,
May the lord give you peace and comfort at this time
Love always
Letty McGuire
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I was so glad I was able to meet some one like Jay aka Cowboy. He was very well loved by the employees of Smiths Market Place. He was a wonderful person and he will be dearly missed and please tell Ron and Ryan thank you for keeping me in formed about Jay
Sorry for your loss of a special man. I knew Jay back in high school and he was such a nice guy.
Rest in peace fellow Beetdigger