Joseph Lyman Jessop Iii "Jl"

Joseph Lyman Jessop III, better known as “JL,” joined his wives, his son Mark, and his parents on the Other Side January 31, 2022, at the age of 80. He was born in Salt Lake City July 21, 1941, to Joseph Lyman Jessop II and Leota Dockstader. He was raised in several places but called Short Creek valley his home. He married Kathleen Bradshaw March 22, 1963. Together they had 11 children. He married Lucille Zitting June 3, 1969. She died a little over a year later carrying their only child.

JL was best known for his extraordinary masterful mechanical skills, but there was probably nothing he couldn’t do. He was a business owner, truck driver, heavy equipment operator, and transporter. He could fix anything. He had a gift for being able to tell what was wrong with anything mechanical just by listening to it. JL was a faithful man his entire life. Humble and hardworking, he lived a life of service to God and his fellow man. He never turned away anyone in need, frequently donating his time. Though sometimes he did not receive money for his work, it didn’t matter. He would always say “The Lord is my paymaster.”

He worked almost every waking hour, but he knew how to have fun too. We had “workcation” trips and picnics. He could turn the most mundane trips into a fun, educational lesson in geology, geography, anthropology, astronomy, or history, often taking the scenic route. He was an avid reader, excellent singer, and father/wrangler of the rowdiest bunch you’ve ever met, not limited to his biological offspring. Many called him “Grampa Jay” with great affection. Dad leaves behind his biological kids: Becka, LeAnna, Joe, Shirlee, Toad, Buff, Brad, (not Mark) Marji, Jim and Sam; lots of adopted ones (you know who you are); 52 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren; too many siblings and extended family to name. He is preceded in death by…. well, literally everyone who died before January 31st, 2022.

For those who have asked where to contribute, there is a GoFundMe https://tinyurl.com/JLJessop Thank you so much for your kindness.

Celebration of Life is Sunday, February 6 at 11 AM in the Heritage Center at Legacy Park 5500 W 700 S, Hurricane UT 84737. Friends may call at Spilsbury Mortuary, Saturday, February 5th from 4:30 to 8:30 PM and from 8:30-10:30 AM at Legacy Park before the service Sunday morning. Services will be live streamed for those who cannot attend. Interment will be at Isaac Carling Memorial Cemetery in Colorado City.

In accordance with the way he lived, ALL ARE WELCOME.

Us kids want to thank the many medical professionals, family and friends who have served Dad or shown up in any way these past few months.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to sign JL’s online guest book at www.spilsburymortuary.com