Gordon W. Jex
Gordon W. Jex, 78, died peacefully after a three-year battle post stroke on February 20, 2021 at home with his family. He was born November 24, 1942 in Santa Monica, California to Richard Thomas and Edith (Woolley) Jex, the second of five children.
Gordon graduated from Santa Monica High School, Class of 1960. After high school Gordon was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals, but instead chose to play football for Brigham Young University. After a season-ending injury he was called to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the North Mexico Mission from 1962 to 1964. Upon returning home from his mission Gordon’s health did not allow him to return to football, but he did return to BYU where he met his eternal companion Maryann Roderick and was married in the Salt Lake Temple on June 11, 1965. They eventually settled in Granada Hills, California where they lived for 48 years until recently relocating to Utah. Gordon and Maryann celebrated 55 years together this last June. Gordon still lit up each time Maryann walked into the room.
In 1968, Gordon graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Minor in Finance from Brigham Young University. He would go on to work as an entrepreneur often focusing in insurance and investment planning.
Throughout much of his adult life Gordon could be found serving in many capacities for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including serving in Young Men’s, Bishoprics, High Councils, as a Seventy, and as a Stake President. He also served in the Boy Scouts of America and earned the Silver Beaver Award in 2005.
Gordon could often be found working in his garden growing some of the biggest and best vegetables in town, attending sporting events or playing games with family and friends. He enjoyed boating, especially exploring Lake Powell, and one on one talks. Gordon will always be remembered as a cheerful, hard worker, who was fiercely loyal to family and friends. He was a disciple of Christ in all aspects of his life and always an eternal optimist.
In addition to his parents Richard Thomas Jex and Edith Woolley Jex, he was preceded in death by his son Ryan Thomas Jex and brother-in-law Christopher Stephen Bird. He is survived by his wife Maryann Roderick Jex (American Fork, Utah), his son David Roderick Jex and wife Donna (Highland, Utah), his daughter Angela Kirkby and husband Sean (Orem, Utah), his son William Mark Jex and wife Gayle (Highland, Utah), his daughter Jeanine Shelley and husband Kade (Idaho Falls, Idaho), his daughter Kimberly Gerun and husband Teddy (Lehi, Utah); 22 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren; his siblings Richard and Lana Jex, Marilyn Bird, Lorraine and Dave Barlow, and Keith and Lianne Jex; and many loved nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service of remembrance will be held at 11:00 am on Friday February 26, 2021 at the Pleasant Grove Manila Stake Center, 850 North 900 East, American Fork, Utah. A viewing will be held at the same building prior to the service with an open casket from 8:30 to 9:15 am and closed casket from 9:30 to 10:30 am. Interment will be at the Holladay Memorial Cemetery in Holladay, Utah at 1:30 pm.
To view the service virtually please go to: www.youtube.com/channel/UC0DruGJ7d5nmSULndWIYPd/videos
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Missionary Fund.
This Post Has 18 Comments
My sincerest love goes to Gordon’s wonderful family. I have fond memories of my friendship with Gordon and his wonderful companion throughout the years. My most vivid memories of this wonderful man are his love and dedication to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and to the family he adored.
Gordon was a true treasure of a man. When I think of him, two things stand out in my mind,
Love, love of the Heavenly Father, love of family and friends , love of his country and community.
And service,
Service to God through the LDS church, service to his Family and friends and service to all those in need, always willing to jump in and lend a hand.
When we meet again, I will say” so where did leave off in our last conversation ” I know he will have lots to tell me. Until then my friend, I will miss you
Sometimes people enter your life unexpectedly, Gordon was one of those people for me. I was privileged to be his tax advisor here in Granada Hills. However, he was much more than a client – he was a kind and gentle man with so much wisdom, knowledge, and love to share with the world. He is flying with the angels now and I hope to see him again someday.
Love that man, loved his smile, as my home teacher he was always there for me, I’ll always miss him but I’m happy he’s whole again! Love and hugs to all the family!!
Gordon was a true friend. With other families, we went clamming at Pismo Beach, Mormon Night at Dodger Stadium, visits to Disneyland, Father & Sons outings, Scouting activities, and many evenings playing Rummy Cubes and Spoons. These last few years have been tough for him, and we know that he is in a far better place with his son Ryan. We look forward to a reunionOur love and best wishes to his family.
Maryann some of the most eventful years of our lives were spent serving with Gordon and you in Granada Hills. We thank you for your love, friendship and example. We send our love and prayers to you and your family.
Gordon was a great mentor, scout, leader and friend. I can’t remember a stake activity when I was going when he wasn’t there. Same as Scouts. He was always on camp outs and scout triathalons at the beach. He was a wonderful speaker and he was easy and fun to talk to. He will be missed and prayers and love to his family.
Nathan Burton
We have loved the Jex family for many years. Both Gordon and Maryann played an important role in the lives of our children, and us, in the Granada Hills Ward. We will forever appreciate them. We will always remember Gordon’s smiling face. May you relish the good years you had with him, and feel his spirit with you always.
We send our love to all of you.
Whenever we think of Granada Hill Ward, the Jex family comes to mind. Gordon was a valiant servant of Jesus Christ. Our memories of Gordon were of his love of life, his sense of humor, his willingness to help others, and his dedication to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Maryann and her family.
Wally and Bev Yaple
So glad to see somewhere where I could post thoughts about this wonderful inspired man. He was Stake President when my husband was Stake Patriarch and when my husband passed away while serving in that calling President Jex used to stop by on his way back from the Temple to check on me and give me comfort and wise counsel as I was dealing with my loss It broke my heart when I heard he had a stroke but due to physical limitations I could only pray. I’m now 92 and still trying to fight the battle but I can empathize with his dear faithful caring eternal companion. You can be at peace knowing you did all you could for your sweetheart. The years will be softer in the future May you feel comfort as promised by our loving Father in Heaven.
With love. Charletta Bell
President Jex was the best! I remember one evening being at the Stake Center for an interview with him that lasted three hours – he was telling me stories about everything! Finally at 10:45 pm, he said that we probably should get on with the interview and we finished in 5 minutes! He then called my husband to tell him where I was and we all had a good laugh! He was the best and I’m so sad to hear this, but he will always be loved and remembered fondly. What a wonderful example of true service! Love and sympathy to his dear family and his sweet wife.
Brother JEX was the epitome of a strong leader in the Church. He was a good example to all who were near him. He was always close by church to open the gates or lock up making sure our ward was safe. He was a true patriarch.
Sending love your way Maryann as you face the passing of Gordon. We always enjoyed visiting with him at the Barlow gatherings. He had a story and a big laugh that brought joy into the room. You and your children have done everything possible to make his last days as peaceful as possible. He will surely be missed.
Love, Rich and Debbie Johnston
We love your family and President Jex will be missed. Our prayers are with you all. Love from the Simmons
President Jex as we knew him was an endearing and wonderful man, who touched the lives of so many. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a contagious smile yet was one of the most spiritual leaders that we have ever known. He especially touched my wife Suzanne who is an avid animal lover who has worked with different animals all of her life. We will never forger a shining example of this when he said “Armadillos are living proof that Heavenly Father has a sense of humor”
A selfless and valiant servant of the Lord. I am grateful to have known and served with him in the Granada Hills Stake. He was a testimony of someone who was willing to sacrifice his all to make sure wrongs were righted, justice was served, and mercy was felt. You are loved, missed, and admired President Jex! Thank you for your example. With love and gratitude, Keri Karabats
I was blessed to be in the stake while your husband and father was the stake president. He loved everyone around him. It didn’t matter who you were or what you had done, you knew you were loved by President Jex. When I saw his picture here the first thing I felt was overwhelming love. My heart aches with yours. Hugs and prayers as you miss him and look forward to seeing him again.
Gordon’s most impressive legacy is represented in his six children. It is apparent that whatever he and Maryann taught within the walls of their home was effective, correct and valuable. Gordon was an example of kindness and dedication to to his family, church, and community. He was always willing to accept and faithfully fulfill any assignments or callings cheerfully, completely and competently. We are so happy that the can once again verbally express himself without limitations as he reunites with his son Ryan. Your friends, Dan and Ann Robins