J. Morgan White, age 89, passed away on January 9, 2019, in South Jordan, Utah.
J. was born on December 16, 1929, in Pocatello, Idaho, to Clyde Burraston White and Hazel Morgan White. He was their second child and first-born son. The family moved to Rock Springs, Wyoming, in 1930. When J. was just 4 1/2 years old, his mother died from childbirth complications. One year later, his father married Sarah Dale Banks, who would raise Carol and J., along with their siblings, Gary, Joseph, and Janice.
J.’s family moved to Green River, Wyoming, in 1936, where his father owned and managed an OP Skaggs grocery store. As a young boy, J. worked at the store where he learned the value of hard work and thrift – traits which shaped his life.
In 1946, his family moved to Spanish Fork, Utah, and J. graduated from Spanish Fork High School in 1947. He attended Brigham Young University and graduated in 1953 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He became a practicing CPA and went on to earn a master’s degree.
On November 6, 1953, J. married the love of his life, Joyce Bjarnson, in the Manti Utah Temple. They built a home in Spanish Fork, Utah, and later spent four years in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They returned to live in Provo, Utah, where J. taught in the Accounting Department at BYU. He specialized in federal income taxation and retired in 1993, after 30 years.
J. and Joyce enjoyed traveling, camping, attending BYU football and basketball games, and always delighted in their children and grandchildren. Sadly, Joyce passed away from cancer in 1997. Two years later, J. moved to Salem, Utah, where his neighbors became cherished friends.
An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, J. served in many callings, often as the ward or stake financial clerk. He later served a full-time mission in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
J.’s greatest legacy is his family. He is survived by his four children: Anne (Anthony) Van Soest of Kirksville, Missouri; J. Shane (Cindy) White of Riverton, Utah; Jilean (Brad) Seaton, of Cumming, Georgia; and Saralynn White, of Salt Lake City, Utah; eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: Carol Hallam, Gary White, Janice Thomas; and sisters-in-law, Carol Ann White and Mossi White. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, and younger brother, Joe.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 19, at 11 am at Walker Funeral Home, 187 South Main
Street in Spanish Fork. Family and friends are invited to visit on Friday evening, January 18, from 6 to 8 pm, and on Saturday morning from 9:45 to 10:45 am. Interment will be in the Spanish Fork Cemetery.
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