Russell Jay Coleman

Russell Jay Coleman passed away in the comfort of his home on Monday, June 8, 2026, surrounded by his family and his beloved fur babies, following a recent cancer diagnosis. It brings us comfort to know that Jay has reunited with his parents, siblings, pets, and many other loved ones who left this earth before him. We feel peace in our hearts that in his final days, Jay was cared for at home by his grandson James, which allowed his wishes to be honored and his dignity left intact.

Jay was born December 26, 1959, in Mannheim, Germany, to Elroy and Norma Coleman. He was the fourth of six children. Jay’s father served in the U.S. Army. Shortly after Jay was born the family was stationed to Fort Eustis, Virginia. They were then transferred to Hawaii in 1964 until 1969, when Elroy retired. The family settled down in Clinton, Utah.

Jay followed in his father's footsteps and proudly joined the U.S. Army as soon as he was able, at 18 years old. Although he did not pursue a career in the Army, the experience had a lasting impact on him, and he was deeply honored to serve his country. One of Jay’s first jobs was working with his dad at Bratten’s Seafood Groto in Ogden, Utah. He learned to cook many delicious dishes working alongside his dad, but one that stands out ischeesecake. Over the years Jay perfected the art of cheesecake making. Family and friends always looked forward to it. It was a real treat!

Jay had a passion and love for cooking, and he was an incredibly talented cook. Feeding the ones that he loved was his ultimate love language. If you were around and he was cooking, he made sure that you were not going to leave his presence hungry. It did not matter how many people he was cooking for, there was always more than enough to go around. Sometimes we joked with him and asked him if he thought he was feeding an army!

On May 31,1983, Jay married Janice Diane VanVelkinburgh. Jan had three children prior to her marriage to Jay. Jay and Jan did not have children together, but he loved and accepted Jennifer, David, and Misti as his own. Some might say that Jay had a “tough guy” appearance standing at 6’5” tall with tattoos. However, he was soft, gentle, caring, and loving, especially with the children in his life.

He was a dedicated husband, son, grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend. Everyone that he loved knew that they could call on him and he would be there to help in any way hecould. His grandchildren shared the most tender, loving, and cherished bond with their Papa. Being “Papa” was so special to Jay, and he would do anything for his grandkids.

Some of the things that Jay loved were motorcycles, camping, fishing, hunting, model airplanes, old western movies, computers and technology, tending to his yard, and reading. Jay’s yard was immaculate; he took pride in it. He spent countless hours planting flowers, trees, bushes, and made sure the grass looked pristine, and edged perfectly. One year, he won an award for having the most beautiful yard in Clinton City. Jay was extremely smart and taught himself how to build computers. He built quite a few from scratch and they were top of the line!

One thing that Jay loved to do in his younger years was bowl with his wife Jan. They were on a bowling league and went faithfully every week. They also loved to ride their motorcycles together. After all, they first met because he was on a motorcycle and she wanted a ride! They would even take the grandkids on the bikes with them. A few times Jay took his granddaughter to and from school on his bike. That is the kind of Papa that he was!

Jay and Jan (and their cats) drove a semi truck together for work and they were able to see all 48 states together. They even got to take the grandkids on the road with them a few times.

More than anything else Jay absolutely loved his pets, who were more like children to him. He would joke that the dogs ate better than he did! It was probably true. We are sure that he is overjoyed to be reunited with them at last.

Jay is survived by his loving wife Jan; his daughters, Jennifer Smith and Misti Price Ocana (Danny); his sister, Carol Lee Long (Don); his sister-in-law, Jeannine Flint (Robert); his grandchildren, Shalyn Price (Carlos), James Price, Braxton Ocana (Sheena), Tristan Ocana, and Carlee Price. Many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive him.

Jay is preceded in death by his parents Norma and Elroy Coleman; his mother and father-in-law Bob and Jeanne VanVelkinburgh; his son, David Lee Price; his sisters, Frances “Pumkins” Lynette Hunter (Bill) and Laurie Ann Walton (John); his brothers, Elroy Coleman Jr. (Susan) and Norman “Stinky” Addison Coleman; and his brother-in-law, Bill VanVelkinburgh (Cindy).

The family will not be holding a service but would love to hear or read any fond memories that you have with Jay. That would mean so much.