William Harvey Jones

Bill passed away on January 25, 2024, after fighting IPF and cancer with fierce bravery, courage, perseverance, and strength. He was 70 years old. His sense of humor and smile charmed our world. Bill was born to Harvey William Jones and Helen Hardy Reid Jones on October 12, 1953. He grew up in Magna and was the baby brother of Marge Pearson, Kathy Bowen, and Shirley Fowlks. They shared a special bond and love for each other. Bill married Shauna Taylor in August of 1974, sharing 49 years of marriage. They were soulmates. They are blessed with two daughters, Lindsy and Karly (son-in-law, Clayton Jones and grandchildren, Bridger and Taya). 

Billy was a wonderful husband, father, Papa Dude, son, brother, and friend. He graduated from Cyprus high school in 1972 and later attended Utah State University, Weber State University and graduated with an Associate’s degree from Utah Technical College. He was a hard worker and some of his professions included brick mason, city surveyor and professional barber. He worked for Kennecott, Western Airlines and retired from Delta Airlines in 2020. Working for the airlines allowed for many vacations and wonderful experiences for his family. Some of these experiences were quite the adventure, but he always took great care of his three girls. We came home with a wild and hilarious tale to share. 

Bill was quite the character. He could always be seen in his usual attire of shorts, t-shirt or sweatshirt regardless of the season. When Bill laughed his eyes shined with love and a touch of mischief. Bill loved his Grandson Bridger. He loved watching him play sports and watching his Son-In-Law Clayton coach football. Bill loved his Granddaughter Taya. He loved to watch her dance and just hearing her voice made his day.

Bill was a storyteller and loved to play cards with family and friends. He always said “if you’re not cheating you’re not trying” so, we always needed to keep a good eye on the game. He loved sports especially softball, baseball, college and high school football. He umpired softball and was also a scorekeeper. He loved the game, taking after his mother Helen. In his early twenties, Bill started the Captains Softball Team with many of his close friends.  They played for many years at White Park and Salt Lake County Rec. This special group of friends have remained close. 

Bill was a University of Utah Football season ticket holder for many years. He loved his girls and they all loved the Utes. Billy had a ritual to follow when going to the games, which included getting there two hours early, parking in the Presidents’ Circle, listening to the pre-game show in the Blazer, hotdogs at half-time and staying late to watch the stadium clear out. He always had his game backpack ready to go packed with sunflower seeds, Chex mix, binoculars, gloves and emergency essentials. Billy and his girls will forever be Die Hard Ute Fans. GO UTES!!

Billy and Shauna shared a special love of the ocean, enjoying the peace of watching the waves with the sound of the surf. He loved cookies, cheese and a good beverage. The family spent many hours on the patio with a fire listening to Jimmy Buffett.

We will all miss his easy going spirit, infections laugh, teasing sense of humor and smiling eyes. 

 Survived by loving wife, Shauna; daughter, Karly Jones (Clayton); daughter, Lindsy Jones; grandchildren, Bridger Jones and Taya Jones; sisters, Marge Pearson, Kathy Bowen (Kent) and Shirley Fowlks; brothers and sisters-in-law, Janet Gomez, Melody Taylor, Robert Taylor, Kevin Taylor (Gina), Margaret Armstrong (Scott) and many nieces and nephews. 

Preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Helen Jones; in-laws, Lawrence and Jennie Taylor; sister and brothers-in-law, Susan Taylor, Larry Taylor, Ned Fowlks, Dave Gomez and Gaynor Pearson. 

We love you Billy. You will be forever in our hearts. 

“Shores distant shores,

There’s where I’m headed for,

I got the stars to guide my way,

Sail into the light of day…”

#BoatsToBuild

-Jimmy Buffett 

A graveside service will be held in April for family and friends. A Celebration of Life will be forthcoming.  Details will be added to this obituary once services have been scheduled.