Philip Cory Jensen

1953 ~ 2022

Obituary Photo for Philip Cory Jensen < >

Philip Cory Jensen was the third of four children born in Murray Utah, November 24, 1953 to Edward Quinn and Joyce Lucille Jensen.

His love of the outdoors started as a young child. He enjoyed his very happy childhood in Centerville Utah hiking, swimming in the creek, riding his bike with his very close and loyal friends. Beautiful childhood summers were spent in one of his favorite places, Waterton Canada, with his parents and siblings Geoff Jensen, Nancy Riding and Sally Merryweather.

Phil was an accomplished athlete with talent that showed early in life. He started playing church sports, baseball and basketball. His speed, size and talent were easily recognized by others and was recruited by a little league coach to play football in 9th grade. Hesitant to give up his Waterton summers, he reluctantly agreed, changing the course of his life.

Although not a fan of church dances, he agreed to attend one in the 9th grade to support his friends in the band. Phil’s eye was caught by a beautiful new girl, and his friends secretly deserted him to encourage a conversation. Little did they know the girl, Kathy, would be his
future eternal companion.

They dated all through high school and graduated from Viewmont High School in 1972. Phil lettered in football and track and was named Utah’s MVP his senior year when he played on the state championship football team. He was highly recruited by several schools to continue playing football. His love for BYU won out and accepted a scholarship that same year. Phil dressed varsity as a backup, but his hard work and a little luck earned him a starting spot by the second game of the season. He never missed a game for the 4 years he played. He was named Freshman MVP and, in true Phil style, downplayed his accomplishments and hid his trophies for years.

During his second year at BYU, he married his sweetheart, Kathleen Kershaw. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on August 3, 1973. During his BYU years, they had their first two children, Christopher Blu and Konda Lee.

After graduation, Phil accepted a teaching and coaching position at Brighton High School with his amazing Viewmont Coach, Steve Dangerfield. They were expecting their third child, Autumn Star. He soon moved to Alta High School where he taught World History and coached football. Education was very important to him and he committed to earn his Master’s Degree, even with a growing family. He loved the X’s and O’s of the game of football and had high expectations of his players and himself. He sacrificed many things to dedicate his time to the players and game he loved so much.

Phil and Kathy had 2 more sons, Lance Philip and Dallas Sean. During those lean times, he worked tirelessly to provide a wonderful life to his young family. He was a constant presence and supported all their many activities and talents. Everything he did was for them. He even risked his job to leave high school football to coach his own sons as they were growing up.

Phil was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He had a strong and unwavering testimony of the gospel. He served in many callings in his life as a teacher, member of the bishopric and missionary. He loved serving as a service missionary for the Nepali refugees in South Salt Lake so much, that he extended his 18 month mission to more than 6 years. He led a life of quiet service in many ways and exemplified a life focused on being an instrument of Christ’s love.

After many years of teaching, he chose to retire early and support Kathy’s growing and successful business. His family continued to grow as his children added 19 grandkids to his life. No one has loved being a grandpa more than Phil. He saw each of his grandchildren’s special gifts, talents, personalities and developed individual relationships with each of them. His schedule was often full of attending his grandchildren’s sports games, dance performances, mountain biking races, baptisms, graduations, and special events. He shared his love of the outdoors with them, often vacationing with them and enjoying some of his favorite things like snorkeling, hiking, biking, running and traveling. Kathy shared his love of traveling, and they went on 92 cruises across the world, his favorite being Egypt.

After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Phil returned to his Heavenly Father on September 27, 2022. He was met on the other side of the veil by his father and mother, Edward and Joyce Jensen, his sister Nancy Riding and many beloved family members, grandparents and friends. His legacy on earth continues with his cherished wife, Kathy Jensen, 5 children, Chris Jensen, Konda Quinton (Brandon Quinton), Autumn Southwick (Ben Southwick), Lance Jensen (Lyndsay Jensen), and Dallas Jensen (Christie Jensen), and his 19 treasured grandchildren, Landon Southwick, Carter Southwick (Brielle Southwick), Sydney Morris (Peyton Morris), Rylan Southwick, Marshall Quinton, Mason Quinton, Brady Quinton, Dallin Jensen, Audrey Jensen, Claire Jensen, Luke Jensen, Alex Jensen, Tayvin Jensen, Madden Jensen, Makenzie Jensen, Archie Jensen and Elsie Jensen.

A private family service will be held in his honor. Instead of flowers, please donate to your local missionary fund or help support local refugees by sending donations via Venmo to @wardfoundation


Guestbook/Condolences

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I know what it's like to lose someone you love . I wish I had known Phillips and Kathy more. Please know that your family is in my prayers.


- Dee kershaw

So sorry to hear of Phil's passing. He fought a long and dignified battle. He will be a giant on the other side of the veil as well. He was loved by all of his friends and family and revered by those of us who had the great experience of being a teammate of his. Condolences to Kathy and his beautiful family. Everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Phil will miss him and love him forever. I love you my dear friend! Till we meet again...Rest in Peace.


- Rick Mears

I first met Coach my freshman year - the first year Alta High opened. He always treated me so well and I've always appreciated that. He was a great example of kindness and fairness.

Sincere condolences to his family for his passing. A better man has not existed.


- Garth Haycock

I loved Coach Jensen. He was a great teacher and an even better Coach. He expected the most out of all he coached, but his love for all the athletes was always felt. Much love.


- Melanie Matthews

My condolences Kathy and family. I grew up with Phil in Centerville and played football with him. I'm sure he will be truly missed by family and friends. May the Lord be with you. Love Mike Hales


- Michael Hales

Sorry for the loss in your family. I enjoyed a few years with this man and admired him for his intensity and humility. He taught me a lot about football but also about youth and what he believed. He was and still is an example to many people left behind and they are better because of him. Mara and I wish you all well and great memories of a great man. Boyd


- boyd sharp

Coach Jensen: your no-nonsense work ethic and character not only made a difference for our team, but a difference in our lives. We may have not known it or understood it at 16-17 years old, but we understand it now. Thank you. RIP.


- Mark Banasiak

Kathy, my heart is breaking for you…I’m sure no one can imagine your pain as you two love each other so much. It was truly a blessing to serve and share our friendship with you two as we served our Nepal Mission together for five years.
I remember setting together at church and how you cried and shared the sad news about Phil, and how you never wanted to be alone without him. Just know (beautiful lady) we love you and you are in our prayers.


- Jackie Fullmer

We love you both! He is such a sweet man to you and your family. Was so sorry to hear of his passing but grateful he is no longer in pain or suffering. Praying for comfort to be with everyone. 🙏🏻


- Marlene And Shaun Slater

Thoughts and prayers with the Jensen family. Coach impacted the lives of many through the years. Godspeed.


- Dave Christopherson

I was so sorry to hear of Phil's passing today. He was my coach and teacher at Alta from 1985 to 1988.. I can't overstate the impact that he had on me as a young man. I most certainly looked up to him a great deal. I suspect a lot of his players carry the same mark with them to this very day. He had a composed intensity that always made me want to work harder, but it was his intelligence on and off the field that I wanted to emulate the most. He always had a twinkle in his eye even in the hardest of practices. I learned a lot from that. I loved his history classes - and how his love for history always seemed to creep onto the football field, usually in the form of a particularly devious drill. I will miss him - but will always gratefully carry what he taught me. My thoughts are with him - and his family.

Kirby~


- Kirby Cook

Mr. Brother. Coach. Our relationship was a special one. He was my teacher, my counselor and confidant at church, and my coach. He helped me pass drivers ed, (and I brought him Dr. Pepper) and he helped keep me out of trouble with boys he didn’t like. He watched over me and let me know he was a safe place to turn. A genuine, gentle giant with a heart willing to serve but never want the attention for it.

The world will never be the same without Phil. All my love and hugs to you Kathy, and your kids.


- Elizabeth English Ulrich

the two people I feared the most growing up were My father and Phil Jensen. Not because they were mean but they held you accountable for your mistakes and made sure you corrected them. That is how real teaching is done. I am grateful for the people in my life that cared enough to make sure I got the message.
Best Coach i ever Had! Sorry for tour loss.


- Shad Alvey

Lance y familia, les deseo lo mejor en estos días, que Dios les de el consuelo para sobrellevar la perdida de tu papá.
Te abrazo con fuerza mi hermano


- Jose Manuel Figueroa

Kathy and family,

We love Phil and will miss him deeply. Please know of our love for you. We feel a great loss with the passing of our friend and neighbor. What a tremendous void in our lives without him.

We will be checking on you to see how we can help.

All our love,
Cal & Sharon Fotheringham


- Cal & Sharon Fotheringham

I am sorry to hear that Phil has passed on. I received info from time to time from Rick Mears about Phil. Kathy, watching all the things you two did was amazing. Having been a teammate of his I know of his athletic ability and it was something to see in person. He always treated me as a friend. My condolences and heartfelt love and admiration to you all. I have a memory from 1974. As a missionary in the old LTM we snuck over to some apartments to quickly get our laundry done. There were the newly weds Kathy and Phil. It was a great moment to do some reminiscing about jr. high and high school with you two. God Bless.


- Greg Oman