Jacob Jay Giles February 28, 1944 - October 28, 2023

The hay was hauled, the cows corralled, the horses fed, and the, “I love you’s” were said. On October 28^th, 2023, the “Big Guy” took his last ride in his Ford surrounded by all his family at home.

Jacob Jay Giles was born February 28, 1944, in S.L.C UT, to Edna Blanche Gines and Frank Robert Giles. He attended and graduated from Tabiona High School where he met and married his “Little Dove”, Sharon Vickie Defa on June 19, 1965. Together they moved to Draper, UT in 1968 where they started their family. Together they had four children: Shane, Wendy, Amy, & Penni. His sense of humor and one- liners followed him everywhere.

Through the years Jay did a lot of different jobs to support his family. He worked in construction for Reed’s concrete, Union Pacific Railroad, then he received his apprenticeship in pipe fitting, joined the Union, and installed fire sprinkler systems for 38 years. He also trained racehorses and loved to watch them race, but nothing excited him more than a good ole’ horse trade.

Farming, horses, family and friends was what he enjoyed most. Every summer he had to get “Out Home” (Tabiona) to change water or move the sprinklers. A good crop of hay and a field full of cows gave him more satisfaction than a good drink. He looked forward to his morning coffee with the boys, and all the bullshit they gave each other. He loved it when Ma went with him, and they could spend a week or two out there together.

In 1999 they left Draper and put roots down in Lakeshore, UT. He just couldn’t seem to get rid of those damn kids though. All of them followed like little ducks and became his neighbors. By this time, he was retired and looking for more adventure. He picked up a rope and became a backyard team roper and built Giles Arena.  He met some of his life-long friends while competing in team roping, hell he even won a few.

Survived by his “Little Dove” love of his life Sharon Giles, children Shane (Brandi) Giles, Wendy Miller, Amy (Justin) Davis, Penni (Shane) Bills, granddaughters Laynee, Oaklee, Amanda, Chanda, Jaylee, J’Amy, Shandee, Laycee, and great grandchildren, Jax, Brixton, Briggslee, Buster, Chadlee, Tinley, and Sloan. Sisters Iona VanTassell, and Carma Wilcock, In-laws Dick & Gayle Defa, Jim & Marianne Defa, Doug & Judy Price, and lots of nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his parents Brig (Frank), Square (Edna), Sisters Lorraine Patten, Nina Gines and Donna Grinnell, Brother Mickey Sizemore, Father and Mother In-law Alfonzo & Viola Defa, brother in-law’s Geno Defa, Weldon VanTassell, and Alma Wilcock, son in law Shane Miller, and many friends who have been waiting to see him again.

Special thanks goes out to Canyon Home Care & Hospice who sent the angels Jessica, Katie, Clark, Amanda, and Jennifer who helped him fight his battle with cancer. Also, his little Vice President Ceasar Betancourt, Kirk Keddington, Chop & Artie Casper, Levaughn & Jake Gines, and Gordon Vantassell for keeping the farm running when he couldn’t.

Respecting Jay’s wishes we will be celebrating his life with a visitation at Walker Funeral in Spanish Fork on Sunday Nov. 5th from 4:00pm-7:00pm and a Graveside Ceremony at the Tabiona Cemetery on Monday Nov. 6^th starting at noon. There will be an open mic so bring your best stories and memories. Lunch will be served at the Tabiona Church.