Jay Lyman Bishop 1932 - 2016
July 7, 1932 - Dec. 10, 2016 Jay Lyman Bishop passed away peacefully in his sleep while at home on December 10, 2016, at the age of 84. He was born July 7, 1932 in Salt Lake City, Utah, son of Marvin James Bishop and Klar Lyman. He was the oldest of ten children: Duane, Marva, Lynn, B. Grant, Steven, Gary, Patsy, Tamra, and Randy. Jay grew up with his future wife Geneil True Walton since age 7, both being members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was married and sealed to his sweetheart June 9, 1958 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. He adopted her two children, Lynn and Janet. He was a committed father of nine children: Lynn Walton, Janet Gay, Nancy, Deanna True, Linda Elaine, Lyman Michael, Jay Stanley, and Michelle. Jay attended Whittier Elementary, Lincoln Jr. High, and South High School, graduating in 1949. He was an Eagle Scout. At age 20, he graduated from the University of Utah, earning a Bachelor's in Chemistry with a Minor in Math. During college, he simultaneously taught university courses and was also a Championship Wrestler on the University team. Jay served as an honorable full-time missionary in the East German Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he had the uncommon experience of being missionary companions with his own brother Duane. Jay was drafted into the U.S. Army, at which time he contracted Rheumatic Fever. He served in a special program for scientists. In 1962, he earned a PhD in Organic Chemistry with a Minor in Physics at his Alma Mater. He lived with his family in Scottsdale, Arizona and Summit, New Jersey before moving to Bountiful, Utah in 1971 where he continued raising his family and working until retirement. Throughout his lifetime of work, Jay experienced a wide variety of interests including: being a Chemistry Professor at Arizona State University, creating new anti-cancer agents, traveling as a guest Science lecturer, refining precious metals, developing alcohol fuel, speaking at the Pentagon, and decomposing bombs at U.S. Government Proving Grounds. He was a wise and knowledgeable scriptorian and a lover of education. He was an accomplished multi-linguist and an avid professional genealogist which utilized his skills in paleography. He mastered document translation and letter writing in 19 languages and was hired for repeated travels throughout Europe for the genealogy private sector. Jay earned his Pilot License which was the source of much family fun and togetherness. He also enjoyed camping and hiking, visiting numerous National and Church Historical Sites, and owning Bishop's Ceramics, a family business which was a source of joy for many individuals. Throughout his life, Jay had an avid love of music and sang daily with his family. He performed in numerous school, ward, and stake choirs, and was a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. He played the trumpet and mastered both the piano and organ. He loved attending symphonies and enjoyed filling his home with beautiful music. Jay's health was compromised due to his two bouts with Rheumatic Fever, and he consequently suffered multiple heart-attacks through the years; he was ever grateful that his life was miraculously spared on many occasions and gave full credit to a loving Father in Heaven. He was a dedicated member of the LDS Church, serving in many capacities including: MIA Leader, Elders Quorum President, Scoutmaster, Stake Missionary, Gospel Doctrine Instructor, Ward Organist, Home Teacher, High Priest, and various positions of Ward and Stake Quorums of the Seventy. His deep love of the gospel was a source of great peace for him, and he made it his life's mission to teach his children about Jesus Christ's atoning sacrifice. He truly believed in the words of Joseph H. Taylor, Jr. "A scientific discovery is also a religious discovery. There is no conflict between science and religion. Our knowledge of God is made larger with every discovery we make about the world." As Albert Einstein said, "The more I study science, the more I believe in God." Jay's posterity includes: 9 children, 30 grandchildren, and 42 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by: his wife, parents, daughter (Peggy Joy), son (Lynn W. Bishop), son-in-law (Jon A. Stephens), grandsons (Kelton Blackner and Daniel Bishop), and sister (Marva Jones). Funeral services will be held 11:00 am, Saturday, December17, 2016 at the Woods Cross 3rd Ward Chapel, 1450 S. 350 W. Bountiful, Utah. Friends may visit family, Friday, Dec. 16th from 6-8pm at Lindquist's Bountiful Mortuary, 727 N. 400 E. and Sat. Dec. 17th from 9:30-10:30 am at the Church prior services. Interment at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 Highland Dr., Salt Lake City, Utah, 10:30 am Monday, December 19, 2016.
