Jesse E. Godfrey

Jesse Earl Godfrey, a noble, gracious servant of Our Savior, passed away on Sunday, November 13, 2022, at the home of Scott and Sarah Godfrey, his son and daughter-in-law who provided such sweet and tender care for him during the last year of his life.  

Jesse was born at home to Wonda William Godfrey and Hattie Eleanor Hutchings on September 10, 1925, in Ogden, Utah and was the oldest of eight children. Jesse loved Ogden and attended Loren Farr Elementary, Central Junior High, and Ogden High. In 1943 Jesse enlisted in the United States Army Air Corp at the age of 17, and was called to active duty one month after his 18th birthday. He served as a gunner on a B-29 bomber until the end of World War II.  He was later recalled during the Korean War and served for another year.

Jesse married and was sealed to his eternal companion Margie J. Reyns on June 18, 1947 in the Salt Lake Temple. He later graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. In 1953, Jesse and Margie moved to Bountiful, Utah where they raised their family. The family also lived in Oak Lawn Illinois, Beaconsfield, and Gerrards Cross, England due to Jesse's employment. In each place they lived they found opportunities to serve others and make lasting friendships.

Jesse was a stalwart member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a deep and abiding testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel all the days of his life.  Jesse was one that the Lord could trust to do whatever his was asked. He served faithfully in many callings and had the opportunity as a patriarch to give many blessings, including his grandchildren. He enjoyed his calling as a temple sealer and had the privilege of sealing many couple for eternity,  including many of his grandchildren. Jesse and Margie also served a senior mission together in St. Helens, England. Jesse gave many years of quiet service to his neighbors, friends and family and truly epitomized ministering.  He was an excellent example to all around him of being a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. He enjoyed children. Being a child of the Great Depression and not having much candy, he known to always have a little something sweet in his pocket to share with children.

Jesse was a self-taught wood carver and created beautiful works of art.  Many depicted his love of nature and of his Savior Jesus Christ.  He shared his talent generously by crafting handmade wooden toys for family and friends.

Jesse leaves behind four children: Carol G. Brande (Jim) of Sandy, Roxanne G. Glenn (Greg) of Calgary, Canada, Scott R. (Sarah) of Kaysville, David J. (Kimberlee) of Bountiful, twenty-five grandchildren, seventy great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Jesse was preceded in death by his sweet Margie, his parents, five siblings and two grandsons.

The family wishes to thank the members of the Bountiful 41st ward and the Columbia Heights ward for the loving care they gave to Dad after the passing of our mother.

Services will be held Saturday, November 19, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. at the Bountiful Utah Heights Stake Center, located at 33 South Moss Hill Drive, Bountiful, Utah.  A viewing will be held Friday, November 18, from 6 - 8 p.m. at Russon Mortuary, located at 295 North Main, Bountiful and 1 hour prior to the funeral from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. at the stake center. 
Services will be streamed live on Russon Brothers Mortuary Facebook page and this obituary page.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Services.