George Jay Cowley

Our loving husband, dad, and grandpa, Jay Cowley, returned to the arms of his Savior, surrounded by his family, on September 26, 2025.

The greatest joy of Jay’s life was his family. Nothing lit up his days more than spending time visiting with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His love and dedication to his family were unmatched. We all adored the time we spent together and will forever cherish our memories.

Second only to being with his family, Jay's favorite place was the mountains. His life was filled with hunting elk, deer, and pheasants, salmon and steelhead fishing, camping, boating, cutter racing and enjoying the beauty of nature in his favorite places. Jay had a gift for storytelling. His friends and family loved to hear about all of his many adventures in the way only Jay could tell a story. He not only loved the outdoors but also loved hearing the stories of his family and friends’ hunting and fishing adventures. We will be sure to pass on the love of the outdoors to the next generation!

Jay was born on February 28, 1949, the only son of Duain and Velda Cowley. He loved growing up on the family farm and made his home just a few steps from it. Jay grew up in Benson and attended Sky View High School. He married Shanna Younker, and they had two daughters, Amber and Misty. They later divorced.

He married Carol Bird and they enjoyed the last 42 beautiful years together, happily cherishing time with their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Jay was always preoccupied with the well-being of his family and enjoyed visits with his many loved ones and friends. He was never too busy to share a story, his wisdom and knowledge (even better than Google!), listen intently, or simply make sure you knew how much you were loved. You would always leave happier and feeling so loved after visiting with Jay!

Jay’s testimony of his Savior flourished recently. In the past year, he had been baptized, endowed, and was pursuing a sealing to the love of his life and devoted wife. Don't worry, Grandpa, we will make sure you are sealed and stuck with Grandma for eternity!

Jay was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Marleen and DeAnne. He is survived by his devoted wife, Carol, and children Misty (Ron) Miller (Cornish), Amber Clark (Franklin, ID), Angie (Scott) Griffeth (Wellsville), Shane (Tess) Maughan (Salt Lake City), Jeff (Cindy) Maughan (Wellsville), Bret (Emily) Elwood (Richmond), his 16 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. We love you and will miss you so much.

A celebration of life will be held October 10th from 3:00 - 6:00 PM. Stop by the church any time to share your favorite stories and honor Jay. The address is 3472 N 3000 W Benson UT.

The family wishes to thank all who have been so kind and generous during Jay’s illness and expresses special thanks to the staff at CNS for their loving care and Cache Valley Mortuary.