Our beloved husband, father and grandfather Gerald J. (Young) Blackburn passed away on December 17, 2023, after a long battle with dementia and Parkinson's disease.
Jerry was born in Murray, UT on October 17, 1938 to parents Jay C. Blackburn and Ruby Evans. He graduated from Murray High School and completed basic training with the Utah Air National Guard. While attending the University of Utah where he was studying architecture, Jerry began working at his father’s building products company, J.B. Tile. He married Ann Argenta in August, 1959, later divorced. He married Gloria J. Lindorff on January 26, 1978. They were sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple exactly one year later.
Jerry was a local businessman, taking ownership of J.B Tile after his father passed away in the early 90’s. He was an active volunteer and served tirelessly both in his church and his community. Jerry held several positions in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints including Elder’s Quorum President, High Priest Group Leader, a counselor in the three Bishoprics, and on the High Council. He was tapped to be on the board of the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce in 1993, and in subsiquent years received numerous awards for volunteer efforts including his work in the “Neighborhood Watch” and “Lady Beware” programs. He went on to serve on the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition and Citizen’s Advisory Board with the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office. In 2001, he was invited to be an Honorary Colonel of the South Salt Lake Police Department and remains so today.
In his free time Jerry enjoyed watching football, golfing, watching baseball, golfing, boating, golfing and spending time with his wife, kids and grandkids…and golfing.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Gloria J. Blackburn, two sisters; Kathy and Debra, five children; Michael Measom, Suzanne (Dannie) Green, Lori Porter, Wendi (Daniel) DeMille, Sean (Dinnie) Jensen, 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Proceeded in death by his parents Jay C. (Marge) Blackburn and Ruby (James Tyler “Ty” ) Young, sister Janet, and son, Steven Young.
His presence will be greatly missed for he radiated peace, goodness, and joy. We find great comfort in knowing that his heaven would not be heaven without the loved ones he left behind, especially his eternal companion, Gloria. So we will continue to feel him close – our devoted husband, father and grandfather – wherever we are and wherever we go, but mostly on the golf course.
Services will be held at the Brickyard Ward Chapel, 3153 S 900 E, Millcreek, UT 84106.
An evening viewing will take place on Thursday, December 21st, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM.
The memorial service will be held on Friday, December 22nd, from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM, with a viewing from Noon - 12:45 PM.
Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memoral Park.
Jerry’s family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Crescent Memory Care and Canyons Hospice for their love, care and encouragement through the most difficult times. Their utmost respect for the sanctity of life and dedication to preserving Jerry’s dignity both in life and death will not be forgotten.
Friday, December 22, 2023 at 1:00 AM – 3:00 AM
Friday, December 22, 2023 at 7:00 PM – 7:45 PM
Friday, December 22, 2023 at 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM