Jay C Valentine

Jay C Valentine passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 5, 2026, in Ogden, Utah. Born on August 21, 1931, in Brigham City, Jay was the son of Errol Columbus Valentine and Ruth Gundeborg Jeppson.

Jay graduated from Box Elder High School. He attended the University of Utah where he majored in sociology and music, playing the baritone in the university band and marching band. During the Korean War, Jay played baritone and trumpet in the military band as part of his service in the 96th Infantry Division. Jay also earned a master’s degree from Utah State University.

Jay married De Ann Rasmussen on January 29, 1960, in the Logan Temple. The same year, Jay was hired as a teacher at Box Elder Junior High, first in geography, later in the music department. He continued employment there, teaching choir, band, and many other subjects, for thirty-one years. The couple settled in Brigham City in a home built next to Jay’s parents. They were blessed with four children: David, Laurie, Kristine, and Stephen.

A talented musician, Jay played multiple instruments, sang in countless duets, quartets, ensembles, and choirs, dabbled on the piano, directed school, church, and community choirs, and instilled the love of music in thousands of young people over many decades of service. The greatest joy, however, was singing duets with his beloved wife. The couple sang at more than one hundred funerals during their lifetime together.

Jay was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served a mission to Sweden as a young man, and, with De Ann, full-time missions to England and Pennsylvania. He served in a variety of leadership callings, including bishop of the Brigham City 2nd Ward. He and De Ann served for five years as temple workers in the Ogden Utah Temple. More important to him than his many callings, was his personal ministry to his many friends, neighbors, and ward members.

Jay loved the outdoors—camping, fishing, and hunting. He particularly enjoyed pulling the old trailer along the Oregon and Washington coasts and the yearly trips to Yellowstone. He took great pleasure beating his sons in tennis and ping pong. An avid gardener, Jay spent many happy hours beautifying his yard and cultivating his large fruit and vegetable garden. Jay was actively involved in family history research and delighted in debating with his wife if it was descent from Sweden or Denmark that made one more heavenly.

Above all else, Jay was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved taking vacations with his family, hosting them for family dinners and parties, and teasing them relentlessly and joyfully. Beloved by many former students, ward members, neighbors, and friends, he leaves a legacy of service, humor, love, and faith in God.

Jay is survived by his four children: David (Toree) Valentine, Laurie (Blaine) Farnsworth, Kristine (Scott) Saxton, and Stephen (Linda) Valentine; 20 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren, with two more on the way. Preceded in death by his wife, De Ann, his parents, one brother, Errol Paul, and great-granddaughter Alexis Farnsworth.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Box Elder Stake Center, 420 South 800 West, Brigham City, Utah. A Viewing will be held Friday evening, January 9, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Box Elder Stake Center and prior to the service from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at the Brigham City Cemetery.

Funeral service will be live streamed and may be watch here: https://zoom.us/j/93593964343?pwd=KTbnWQEG9LQK1W4kqjbTiSebCYV6pK.1

Services entrusted to Aaron’s Mortuary of Brigham City.