Daniel T Jones, Jr.

After a lengthy, painful battle with pancreatic cancer, at the age of 74, Daniel T Jones, Jr. passed away peacefully at home with his beloved wife and sweetheart, Judy, by his side; it was in the early morning of February 15, 2026, around 12 o’clock -- just five days before their 28th wedding anniversary.

For several days prior to his passing, he was able to visit with many loving family members and friends, who thoughtfully and wisely took their final precious opportunities to express their love and appreciation to Dan.

Dan and Judy hospitably welcomed all who came to their home in North Salt Lake, Utah; it was often a gathering place for several people at a time. Dan and Judy’s two protective French Bulldogs, Blue and Stella, began to be accustomed to the wonderful, Christlike hubbub. This heartfelt, affectionate send-off meant so very much to both Dan and Judy.

Dan was born on November 19, 1951, to Daniel T Jones and Anavon Mortensen, in Ogden, Utah. Both of his parents have preceded him in death, as well as his brother, Michael D. Vanderbush, Sr. Dan is survived by his wife, Judy Ann Layton Jones, and their five children: Derek T Jones, Walker T Jones (Elizabeth Tubbs), Kenneth Christian Behr, III (Chris) (Susan Higgs), Trixie Ann Behr Bascom (Fred Bascom), and Tammie Ann Behr Lieber. Dan and Judy have 15 grandchildren: Madalyn Rae (Maddy) Jones, Ryker T Jones, Cole T Jones, Karter T Jones, Harmony Kay Jones, Sawyer T Jones, Kellie Hymas Hunt, Kinsie Sue Behr, Kenneth Christian Behr, IIII (K.C.), Connor James Behr, Kyler David Behr, Abish Jean Bascom, Niko Christian Kawa, Hailee Nobuko Kawa, and Aycie Michiko Kawa, and several great-grandchildren. Dan is also survived by his step-mother, Rae Donna Cole Jones, and his sisters, Sherri Jones Lindstrom (Billy Lindstrom), TeriAnn Bryan Steele (Peter Steele), Michele Noble, and Jenni Anne Frayer.

Dan has lived a very full and productive life, his young formative years spent with his father Daniel T Jones, his step-mother Rae Donna Cole Jones, and his beloved little sister, Sherri, in Bountiful, Utah. His education began early with almost three years of preschool at Arbon’s Fun School, after which he attended Tolman Elementary School, Bountiful Junior High School, and Viewmont High School. Being a forward-thinking, motivated young man, following his graduation from Viewmont, he decided to tackle higher education. After years of dedicated focus and hard work, Dan achieved a Master’s Degree in Social Sciences from Utah State University in Logan, Utah, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Police Science from Weber State University in Ogden, Utah. Pursuing his interest in the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to his already impressive accomplishments, Dan bolstered his knowledge of Police Science by earning his FBI Certification.

Interestingly, Dan and Judy dated a few times while attending Viewmont High School. After marrying and divorcing their first partners, they found one another again, fell in love, and were married civilly on February 20, 1998. By earthly standards, they have been happily married for nearly 28 years. However, because they were later sealed in the beautiful Bountiful Temple on November 23, 2021, by eternal standards, they are a happily married couple forever.

According to the children and grandchildren privileged and blessed to have Dan in their lives, he is an outstanding father and grandfather -- always interested and anxiously engaged in their ups and downs. By example, he has taught them, and everyone within his significant realm of influence, what it means to be caring, honest, and hard-working. In Derek’s words, “He is a phenomenon father.”

Dan has been an active High Priest in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, conscientiously serving in many capacities through the years, highlighted by a three-year service mission in the Davis County, Utah, area of the Church, which he and Judy thoroughly enjoyed together as missionary companions. Dan’s testimony of our loving Father in Heaven, our dear Savior, Jesus Christ, and Their gospel has become steadfast and sure.

Dan’s strong work ethic began within the walls of his childhood home with his parents, who were both smart and tenacious entrepreneurs. As soon as little Daniel and his kid sister, Sherri, were physically capable, they were encouraged and expected to participate and help in their family’s business enterprises.

His career in law enforcement was Dan’s employment focus for many years. It included his promotion to detective status during his time with the Police Department of Brigham City, Utah, his advancement to Police Chief of Holly, Michigan, and the opportunity to serve as Police Chief of Alpine, Utah.

As time went on, he decided to make a change and began working for the State of Utah with the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL), and, thereafter, within the Division of Corporations and Commercial Code. For several years, he found fulfillment working for a formidable retail gun store, Pro Arms. One of the first things he did after officially retiring, because he couldn’t relax and sit still for half a second, was to start working for the huge sporting goods store, Cabela’s, in Farmington, Utah; as a seasoned hunter, fisherman, and sports enthusiast, this must have been Dan’s dream job.

However, working as a school crossing guard for North Salt Lake City, was the perfect way to bless the world at the end of a life well lived. He recruited his dear wife, Judy, to do the same. Dan and Judy find this work very rewarding as they serve their community and its most valuable resource (children) at the busy crosswalks of nearby schools. The children really miss their daily interaction with Dan and feeling his friendly, nurturing, protective energies in their behalf. The entire crossing guard team is finding it difficult to fill the large, efficient boots of Daniel T Jones, Jr. There is only one of him.

Dan’s interests and hobbies are many and varied; and he has groups of close, invested friends and family with whom he can enjoy his interests and hobbies, whether it be hunting, guns, fishing, sports, camping, gardening, or reading. He thrives on discussions about history – especially American, geography, politics, religion, as well as current events – both local and global; his extensive knowledge, broad experience, and general awareness of the world make him a trustworthy and wise resource for information, guidance, help, and fun. Dan magically animates social gathering with his engaging conversation, G-rated jokes, unmistakable laugh, great smile, kind inclusion, and friendly nature. His deep desire to be present, to enthusiastically participate, and to meaningfully serve is characteristically apparent wherever he happens to be.

Dan has left an indelible, endearing mark on the hearts of all who know and love him. He will be truly missed. Thank you, Dan, for sharing your life so generously with us; and thank you, dear Father in Heaven, for allowing us to have Dan in our lives. Through Thy great Plan of Salvation and Happiness, the heart of which is our Dear Savior, Jesus Christ, and His Atonement and grace, we will see Dan again and embrace him with open arms.

An evening viewing will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026, at Russon Mortuary, 295 N. Main Street, Bountiful, Utah. Funeral services will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the Foxboro Stake Center, 954 West 1100 North, North Salt Lake, Utah, where a viewing will be held from 9:45-10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary & Crematory YouTube Channel and on this obituary page. The live stream will begin 10-15 minutes prior to services and will be posted below.