James Edward (Jerry) Shaw quietly left his mortal shell behind on April 20, 2021 surrounded by those he loved. Jerry was born March 18, 1931 to Benjamin and Lillian Shaw in Salt Lake City, Utah. One of his earliest memories was riding his small tricycle to the end of the block at Eagle Gate and watching the cars go by. He graduated from West High School in Salt Lake City in 1949. Jerry served in the United States Army and was deployed to Korea at the peak of the Korean conflict. Upon his release from military service Jerry entered the University of Utah and eventually graduated with a degree from Westminster College.
In 1957 Jerry married the love of his life, Thora Leifson, and they began their lives together in Salt Lake City. The family moved to Spanish Fork, Thora’s hometown in 1964 and proceeded to make a life for themselves. Jerry was employed in several vocations during his lifetime, he worked a short time for Utah Power and Light and Geneva Steel. After a layoff at Geneva, he started working at Utah Savings and Loan. The final years of his career were spent as a Utah State Bank examiner where he handled several high-profile cases during the Savings and Loan Crisis.
He served the City of Spanish Fork on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Jerry was active in his church duties and served as Sunday School Teacher, Financial Clerk and Temple Ordinance Worker. He made ministering a thing before it was really that by watching out and interacting with his neighbors. He loved his neighborhood.
Jerry is survived by his three children Jay (Jeralyn Carlisle) Imperial, California; Tanya (Laird Campbell) Cedar City, Utah and Kelly (Cori Bona) Yakima, Washington. He has 9 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his spouse, Thora. His Brother Dick and two sisters, Birdie and Eva.
The family would like to express our gratitude to the Brandon and Olsen families who stood by our dad through his most difficult hours. Also, to Julia Albarenga who watched over him and managed his medical needs at home. Lastly, we extend our love to the staff of Mervyn Sharp Bennion Veterans Home whose staff and caregivers took care of him in his last year of life.
A short viewing will be held at 9:45 – 10:45 am Monday April 26 at Walker Mortuary in Spanish Fork, Utah. Following his viewing a service will be held in the Walker Chapel and graveside services will continue at Spanish Fork Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, the family would ask that donations be made to MS Bennion Veterans Home.
Livestream of the funeral services can be found here
Livestream of the Graveside services can be found on Walker Funeral Home Facebook page
2 Condolences for James Edward Shaw
Condolences(2)
Wendell Robertson says
April 26, 2021 at 4:58 pmWill never forget the smiling chuckle and listening ears, not to mention Thora’s joyous laughter. Jerry’s bank examiner stories should have been made into a television series. A life lived well full of love for others. My home away from home. Jerry and Thora adopted me many times as I joined their son Jay in many adventures.
Howard Brandon says
November 10, 2021 at 10:27 pmI am glad to see he is reunited with his wife. He missed her so much. Comforting to know he is whole again and not in pain. He was a good uncle. Wish we would of known about his death and services. hMuch love Howard Brandon