Joy H. Jacobs

“Ballroom Dancer Extraordinaire”

Joy Jacobs succumbed to her struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease on February 16, 2015.  Joy Inez was born Dec. 10, 1928 to Clifford LeRoy and Cora Inez Thomson Heaps in San Francisco.  She grew up during the depression in California, Salt Lake, Park City and Seattle where her father died when she was still a young child.  Her mother then moved the family back to live with their grandmother in Sugarhouse.  She attended Irving Jr. and South High Schools.  Upon graduation, she married her “Honey”, home from the war, Spencer L. Jacobs, which was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple.  They had two sons, Carl and Creig.

Joy began her career at the Fred Astaire Studio in 1959, teaching hundreds the art of ballroom dance.  She held a teaching certificate at all levels including International Style and has danced with some of the best  professionals in the country.  She judged many competitions, in New York, Phoenix, Los Angeles, New Orleans and Miami.  She participated since 1967 and assisted with teaching and choreography of the final LDS-MIA, Church Dance Festival held at the U of U stadium in 1973.  Upon leaving the Fred Astaire Studio, she taught another 15 years, giving both private lessons and Continuing Ed. classes.  When she began giving private lessons, she also accepted employment as a secretary for one of her students, Cy Paulsen of Paulsen Construction and Engineering Co, where she worked until her retirement in 2005. 

Joy worked tirelessly in all her Church callings including that of Ward and Stake dance director.

She cherished her many friends throughout the years and was loved by all who knew her.  Joy loved all animals, especially her cats.  In her final years she would love to sit on the porch or by the window watching the birds, deer and squirrels that frequented the yard.

Joy had a hunger for learning.  She was always expanding her knowledge.  Her hobbies included oil painting, calligraphy, miniature house and furniture construction, skiing, ice skating, motorcycle riding, doll making and increasing her Spanish speaking skills.  She loved travel, camping-out and driving Spence everywhere in her Porsche.

Joy was proud of her pioneer heritage and the fact she was related to John Muir.  She is now with her loving husband, Spencer, who preceded her in death, along with her younger son, Creig.  She is survived by her son Carl, sister Coralou Powell, half-brother Alan Butcher, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Interment will be in the Salt Lake City Cemetery.  Graveside services will be on February 19, 2015 at 1:00 PM.

Joy would love for her friends to make a contribution to the Humane Society or an animal rescue organization.

Online guestbook at www.russonmortuary.com