Buddy Lee Jones

Buddy Lee Jones, 84, beloved father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away at home on December 7, 2017 in West Jordan. He rejoined his sweetheart, Elaine, in a beautiful, new place where his sharp, inventive mind can finally be free from physical limitations.

Lee was born December 5, 1933, in Los Angeles. He married Elaine McDonald, the love of his life, on January 16, 1953. Together they had six children, including two sets of twins. His, and their, single greatest passion in life was spending quality time with family. Speaking of quality, Lee was no ordinary dad and grandpa. He was, in a word, magical. An avid outdoorsman, he loved fishing, hunting, camping, and the beach. He and Elaine loved holidays, too, and over the years they created an entire calendar’s worth of epic, much-anticipated family traditions. Halloween and Christmas meant elaborate, themed parties. Spring was for kite flying. Summer was for legendary camping trips. Over time, as the family tree blossomed, attendance at these soirees rose from the eight original members to a veritable legion of Joneses. 

Lee worked hard and played harder. He was loving, playful, warm, mischievous, and funny – like, could have held his own next to Johnny Carson funny. He could fix or build just about anything, and loved technology, gadgets, and promising-looking gizmos from TV informercials. As rugged and resourceful as he was, he was also gentle, patient, and kind. He gave the hugs of a bear and had the soul of a poet, often composing poems, parables, and stories to share. He delighted in serving others, including through various callings for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served in the bishopric for a time, and for many years on the high council, where he earned a reputation for giving beautiful, humorous, touching talks. He also served as the ideal scoutmaster to lead young men through all kinds of adventures and life lessons; his group of Explorers once even fundraised enough for a trip to the Seattle World’s Fair

He is survived by his children Suzanne Moss (Michael); Douglas (Toni); Donald (Carol); Larry (Deanne); Lori Warnick (Lee); Wendy Barbosa (Albert); 21 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren. 

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 15, at 7171 S. 2700 W. in West Jordan. Friends and family can visit from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 14, at Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 S 2300 E. in Salt Lake City; and also at the church Friday morning from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will be at the Payson City Cemetery. To post condolences or view a full life sketch and photo album, visit HolbrookMortuary.com.