John Thomas Day

John Thomas Day, 85, beloved husband, father, grandpa, and friend, reunited with his sweetheart on September 22, 2024.

John was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho, on July 31, 1939, to Jesse M. Day and Zina Louise Bailey, the younger of two children. He spent his early years in Idaho and Tremonton, Utah, where he attended Bear River High School. There, John excelled in tennis and debate, earned honors like American Legion Scholar, and graduated as the top male scholar. He received an academic scholarship to the University of Utah.

After serving a two-and-a-half-year mission in Germany for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, John returned to the University of Utah, where he graduated cum laude with a degree in chemical engineering.

The summer after graduating, John was set up on a blind date with Georgiana Black. Little did he know, this blind date would lead to a lifelong partnership. Georgiana became his best friend, and soon his wife. The two were married in the Salt Lake Temple on August 19, 1965, sharing 58 beautiful years, five children, and fifteen grandchildren.

After marrying, John and Georgiana moved to Massachusetts for graduate school. While Georgiana studied cardiovascular nursing at Boston College, John pursued a Doctor of Science degree at MIT. During their time there, they welcomed their first child. John worked as a teaching assistant and later Director of the MIT Practice School, graduating with high honors. He went on to become an assistant professor of chemical engineering at MIT.

In 1974, John and his growing family moved back to Utah to be closer to extended family. There, he co-founded Mining Services International Corporation (MSI) and later built Cyanco and Nevada Chemicals, serving many years as CEO and President.

John and Georgiana built their family home in Pepperwood, where they lived for nearly 48 years, raising their five children and creating lifelong friendships with their neighbors and church members. Always focused on providing for his family, John insisted on paying off their home, even as he started a new business. This meant Saturdays became “work days,” with the whole family pitching in to build their house. These days were filled with lessons in hard work, living within your means, and strengthening family bonds. But after working hard, they would play hard too—whether it was going to the movies, swimming, or treating themselves to root beer, those moments became cherished memories.

John had a deep and abiding love for education, believing it to be one of life’s greatest gifts. He knew that knowledge opened doors to opportunity and understanding, and he cherished the process of learning throughout his life. This passion extended to his children and grandchildren, whom he was always encouraging, especially in the areas of math and science. He loved nothing more than helping them tackle difficult concepts—whether it was sitting down to explain a tough problem or studying alongside them for a big test. His eyes would light up whenever someone came to him with a question. He had a remarkable ability to break down complex ideas into something manageable and clear, and he loved the moments when a child or grandchild had that “aha” moment of understanding.

John’s dedication to education didn’t end in the classroom or around the dinner table. Every Christmas, he thoughtfully selected books on math, science, and engineering to gift to his grandchildren. It was his way of nurturing their curiosity and love for learning, hoping to plant seeds that would grow into a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. He believed in their potential and wanted them to see the beauty in the sciences that he had spent his life mastering. Those books weren’t just gifts—they were symbols of his belief in the power of education and his faith in his family’s future. Through his guidance, his children and grandchildren developed not only a strong work ethic but also a love for learning, a gift that will continue to shape generations to come.

John held himself and those around him to high standards, yet behind his direct manner was a generous heart. He privately helped many people in need and loved to share stories—whether about his adventures bear hunting with his dad or swimming in irrigation canals. He had a gift for captivating an audience, especially teenagers. His dedication to serving the youth continued long after his own children were grown, with John and Georgiana volunteering at the Salt Lake Youth Detention Center after he retired. His mentorship touched countless lives, helping many find a new direction.

The great love of John’s life was his “angel” wife, Georgiana. For more than a decade, John cared for her at home as she battled Alzheimer’s. She was always his priority, and their love was an example to everyone who knew them. Their separation over the last ten months weighed heavily on him, but the thought of their reunion brings peace to all who loved him.

John was an extraordinary person who lived a life full of faith, hard work, and love. He had a deep testimony of Jesus Christ and left a legacy that will continue for generations. He will be missed more than words can say.

John was preceded in death by his beloved Georgiana, his sister Sandra Louise Day Fullmer, and his parents Jesse M. Day and Zina Louise Bailey Day. He is survived by his children: John David Day (Jane Ann Burdick), Michael Thomas Day (Krista Redd), Brian Jesse Day (Briettney Poore), Christine Louise Tanner (Andrew David Tanner), Jennifer Sarah Day, and his grandchildren: Joshua David Day, Kristianna Sarah Day, Jacob Daniel Day, Michael Joseph Day, Elizabeth Jane Day, Ethan David Tanner, Lauren Jesse Poore Day, Rebekah Louise Tanner, Benjamin Thomas Day, Asher Thomas Tanner, Stella Elizabeth Poore Day, Marianna Eva Day, Seth Frederick Tanner, Matthew John Day, and Hannah Grace Tanner.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Lone Hollow Ward, 2195 Pepperwood Drive (10900 S), Sandy, Utah. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 3, from 6-8 p.m. at Larkin Mortuary, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 S), and again before the service from 10:00-10:45 a.m. at the church.

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