Jay Sparrow

After 70 years of living life to the fullest, our beloved husband, dad, grandpa, brother, step-dad, uncle, friend, neighbor, boss, caregiver and even patron, passed away peacefully at home, which was his final wish after learning July 25 his recent months of illness was due to a brain tumor. Through the constant loving care of his "Sweetie" Kayleen, his two daughter's Shelley and Stacey, his step-daughter Andrea, the amazing guidance, support and medical care of our Encompass Hospice team, and the daily visitors and well-wishers, his last days were spent comforted, loved and appreciated. And now, he will be greatly missed by us all.
Jay was born February 27, 1943, to Sydney and Glenda Sparrow in Dayton, Idaho. He was the first son of three, plus an older sister. He grew up in Dayton, Idaho, and moved to North Logan, Utah, in 1957. He graduated from South Cache High School in 1961. Jay was an athlete, an avid sports player excelling in baseball, and being 6 foot 4 inches certainly helped him become a star basketball player during his three years on the varsity team. His mom loved to share the story of him being the first to dunk the basketball at South Cache High School.
He received a basketball scholarship to Utah State University and played on the freshman basketball team, wearing No. 21 alongside local basketball hero Wayne Estes - a time he recalled fondly.
Jay was married to Tamara Sorenson on February 14, 1964. They divorced in 1987, but are now good friends having each found their soul mate. Their time together brought them two loving daughters, Shelley Jean Stevens and Stacey Jae Theriot. These were the "Jay" years, his life as a sportsman, husband and dad. These years were spent at the archery range, hunting and fishing with his buddies now known as "the old cronies," as well as bowling, playing basketball and softball, teaching life lessons to his daughters, and everything sports.
In high school, Jay started working at the Premoco gas station on Tenth North and Main Street, and learned to become a gifted mechanic. Customer's started coming to the station and asking for him to work on their vehicles because of his talent, way with customers and his honesty. He eventually became the owner and operator of Jay's Premoco, a thriving business under his management for 23 years. Jay was always a people person, outgoing, friendly and willing to help. He had a soft spot for little ol' ladies, and would make sure they received impeccable service at the full service gas pumps. His quick wit kept them on their toes, and they always left feeling special with a smile on their face and a candy sucker in their mouthes. Jay's was a place you wanted to hang out at, and you always felt welcome. Ask any of his employees how they liked working for Jay, and the answer will be the same: "Best boss I ever had, before or since," "He taught me how to work," and "I loved working for Jay."
After Jay's Premoco, he opened Jay's Circle S gas station for three years, then worked at Weather Shield for nine years as a mechanic and then at Bridgerland Applied Technology College as Head Custodian until he retired in August, 2005.
Jay/Ottis didn't grasp what the word "retirement" meant, as he spent the past eight years tirelessly caring for others - Something he loved and came naturally to him. He was there for his dad while in the Alzheimer's wing at Sunshine Terrace and was at the beck and call of his Ma during her time at Pioneer Valley Lodge and Legacy House. Children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters, all learned what sacrifice, and caring for a loved one looks like through his example. When he wasn't serving his Ma, he was showing us how to be a good friend and neighbor. You knew you could always count on him, and he'd help you anyway he could. He brought together his neighborhood filled with people from all walks of life, first by surprising them each week by bringing in their trash cans - something he did until he was too ill to continue - and sitting on his perch in the garage earning the title of "neighborhood watchman." The neighborhood won't be the same without him.
Dad's life truly began again when he met his guardian angel, Kayleen, and she met her knight in shining armor. We refer to these as the "Ottis" years. After 22 years together, their love for each other was tangible until his final breath. He saved her and she saved him. Kayleen brought out the best in dad, and he brought her strength, love and a father figure to her children Stephen and Andrea, whose father died in an auto accident when they were young. Together they enjoyed going to Wendover, Jackpot, or Elko, Nevada, trips to Southern California to visit his "California dreamers" (Shelley's family), and Southern Utah to see Stacey's family. They enjoyed spending Friday nights at the barn talking with close friends, visiting local family and riding horses in local canyons, but their most memorable and most anticipated times together were trail riding in the Grand Tetons. Dad loved his Teton trips. Dad loved his girls, granddaughters and hearing all about our lives. He looked forward to their annual summer visits to Logan, memories we will always cherish.
Dad's love of horses from his childhood returned when we moved to North Logan. He first bought horses for pleasure riding and then became interested in Cutter Racing. He shared several teams with close friends; Burns Crookston, Terrell Anderson and Lynn Krebs, and loved driving his teams. He served as the president of the Cutter Association for several years. He then trained his horse Tracer Joe to race at area flat tracks with the help of friend Paul Anderson.
He was a numbers guy through and through. An "odd" man for sure. He passed away on the 21st, at 10:21 p.m., and will be laid to rest on the 27th. He was one of a kind, and if you ever met him you never forgot him -not because of his large stature, but because of the way he made you feel. He left a big footprint in people's lives, making a lasting impression.
Dad started each day reading the obituaries, which we found to be an odd pastime, until we understood why. He always made a point of paying his respects to the family of anyone he knew, attending several viewings or funerals a week in recent years. But the obituaries were also a gauge in his own life. We were always relieved by his answer when asked "how are you doing today," and he'd say, "Well, I didn't make the obituaries today, so I guess I'm doing okay." Dad, you made the obituaries today and we are heartbroken. We will miss you dearly, but know you walked the walk of service, and the Lord knew your heart. We feel you still taking care of us, even from heaven.
Jay/Ottis is survived by his wife Kayleen Rae Young (Payant); his two daughters, Shelley (Jeff), Fallbrook, Calif., and Stacey (Tim), LaVerkin, Utah; three granddaughters, Whitney, Savannah and Morgan; one sister, Maurine (Lee), Preston, Idaho; two brothers, Dennis (Mary), Colorado Springs, Colo., and Curt (Linda) Smithfield, Utah; two stepchildren, Stephen Payant (Mandy), Andrea Payant; and two stepgrandchildren, Lucas and Dylan. His parents preceded him in death.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 27 at Allen-Hall Mortuary Chapel, 34 E. Center Street in Logan. A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to services at the mortuary Tuesday. Interment will be in the Clarkston Cemetery. Condolences and thoughts may be expressed to the family online at www.allenmortuaries.net .
Donations may be made in Jay's honor to Huntsman Cancer Foundation: https://donate.huntsmancancer.org/page.aspx?pid=636 .