Jay Glen Vance

Jay Glen Vance passed away on February 2, 2021, from complications of COVID-19.  He was born on July 7, 1961, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Karel Petersen of Tremonton, Utah. After his birth, he was given up for adoption to Kenneth R. Vance and Cherie Lee Huntsman who raised him.   Later down the road, two other siblings were adopted, Lee and Jenafer.

Jay loved sports.   He loved to play church basketball.  Both of his parents would go and cheer him on.  His mom would cheer him on by whistling and his dad would really get into the game by helping coach Jay behind the sidelines.

Jay attended Cyprus High School in Magna, Utah.   He excelled in his academics and was offered a scholarship to CEU in Price, UT.   At CEU, he wrote for the paper and then later decided to serve an LDS mission.   He served a mission to The Netherlands where he enjoyed teaching the gospel and wanted to stay longer.   However, that was cut short.  His mom got a deal on some tickets for the family to travel around Europe and had Jay go with them.

Jay wanted to further his education and attended Stevens-Henager where he earned 5 degrees, plus a degree as a respiratory therapist.  He worked at the U of U Hospital, Davis Hospital, and North Eastern Nevada Regional Hospital in Elko, Nevada.  He also earned a Master’s in Psychology from the University of Phoenix.

In the spring of 2007, Jay met his future wife, Melanie Moon.  On July 7, 2007, they eloped and married in Las Vegas.   On April 24, 2008, their baby girl Jayme Abigail was born.   When Jay found out that Melanie was pregnant and she was having a baby girl, he wanted to name the baby after him.  So, they agreed on Jayme.

The fall after Jayme was born, Jay developed an immune disorder.  This immune disorder made life difficult for him.  He would get sick a lot (especially if someone had a cold, it would turn into pneumonia for him and he would be in the hospital).  Due to his bad immune system, he could not work, which made him feel bad. During this tough time, he managed to get through with a positive attitude.  He developed many hobbies such as singing karaoke on Smule.  He enjoyed singing with others and with famous singers.  He also looked forward to playing computer and board games with Jayme.

He loved the outdoors.  He took up fishing and liked to go up to Mirror Lake and Causey Reservoir.

Jay loved dogs.  He had lots of dogs growing up.  One day he bought a companion dog for Jayme for Christmas.  His name is Shaggy, and he is a Cairn Terrier.   Jay had a special bond with Shaggy.  It was fun to watch them play together.

On March 16, 2019, Jay, Jayme and Melanie were sealed in the Bountiful Temple for time and all eternity.

There was never a dull moment with Jay.  He loved to tell jokes.  Whatever came our way, he was always positive about it.  One of Jay’s sayings was: “Don’t think of problems, think of solutions.”

Jay is preceded in death by his parents, biological mom, Karel Petersen; his sister, Jenafer; and his brother, Lee. He is survived by his wife, Melanie; daughter, Jayme; daughter, Krista; son, Brendan; daughter, Jessica, and grandchildren:  Ashayla, Cossette, Venette, and Kasius.

Viewing and Funeral will take place on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at the Woods Cross 8^th Branch, 1450 S. 350 W. in Woods Cross, UT.  The viewing will be from 9:45-10:45 and the funeral at 11:00. It will be broadcast live on Russon Mortuary & Crematory Facebook page.

Please follow Covid-19 guidelines and wear masks.  Interment will be at Bountiful City Cemetery.

Thank you to those of you who have asked how to donate to the family, please Venmo @Melanie-Vance-13