Thorval Jay “TJ” Fillerup passed away on June 26. 2023. TJ was born March 2, 1934, in LaPoint UT to Clesson Jay Fillerup and Hilda Nyberg Fillerup. After the death of his mother at the early age of 4, Clesson married Veda Rasmussen who lovingly cared for and raised him like her own. Later moving to Salt Lake City, TJ attended and graduated from South High School in 1952. Starting his career right out of high school TJ went to work for Western Electric where, throughout his 35-year career, was part of many changes in the phone business, eventually retiring from AT&T. During his time with the phone company, he served 2 years in the military, always saying he served in the “foreign country” of Fort Polk Louisiana. TJ treasured his many friendships created throughout his career and life experiences, always doing his best to keep in touch with everyone he possibly could.
TJ married Ann Dent Fillerup and had 5 children, Arlan Jay Fillerup (Lori), Boyd Fillerup (Gloria Clark), Karen Fillerup, Annette Lee (Terry), Karalynn Dowdell. TJ and Ann later divorced. In 1988 TJ married Nancy Lee Clark Fillerup and became a stepfather to 6 stepchildren, Lisa Dame (David), Louise Craig, Bob Schirmer (Michelle), Stephen Evans (Christine), Pam Chancellor and Juliett Chesley (Kent). He is loved and deeply respected by many grandchildren and great grandchildren. TJ loved his family and leaves a legacy of great strength, love, and countless memories of never-ending support. With deep humility TJ stepped up to be the big brother everyone wished they had, earning the love and respect of his 7 brothers and sisters.
Spending his early years in the Lapoint and Jensen area, TJ learned to work hard and never stopped. He enjoyed hard work, developing many craftsman skills of which he never hesitated to share and help others. There was never a project or repair we took to dad that he couldn’t figure out how to fix, there was never a home we lived in where he hadn’t added a room, a garage, built a deck or finished a basement. He loved the “good old country music” and legendary comedians, spending countless hours enjoying good music and good comedy, especially in his later years often sharing a good joke or two with all of us. TJ’s work took him and his family to many different places, blessing us with good memories and lifelong friends. He especially enjoyed the 21 years he and Nancy spent in Mount Pleasant, adding more and more decks, more and more rooms and garages, as well as more good friends and neighbors.
He is now enjoying a great reunion with his mother Hilda, stepmother Veda, father Clesson, daughter Karen, son Boyd, grandsons Daniel and Eric, granddaughter Nicole, sisters Marleen and Valena and brother Errol. TJ died peacefully listening to his “good old country music”. He will be deeply missed.
Graveside services will be held at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy, UT.
TJ was a very good friend ,And was a friend to every one he came in contact with .he was a great example to all the people to his family. he will be missed by his family and friends.
Wishing you peace during this trial of life. You are such wonderful spirits to know. Hope that you have all the love and support from Family and Friends to help get through this time. Blessings from God always. Love
Oh Nancy my dear friend. I am sending you the biggest hugs. How I loved both of you. I pray that TJ had a glorious reunion with all of his loved ones. I pray for comfort to surround you during this difficult time. I am glad that TJ went in peace and was surrounded by love.
Love you always and forever
Tami Jim and the crew.
Such a special guy--always had a smile for us whenever we seen him--we want to let the family & especially Nancy know we are thinking of them today--sending hugs & love your way!