Jesse Matthews, 92, of Ogden, Utah, passed away on June 9, 2025, surrounded by the people who loved him most.

Born in Boulder City, Nevada, on October 3, 1932, Jesse grew up in Kingman, Arizona. He and his brother Marvin got into their fair share of trouble, which usually landed them washing eggs as punishment. For a time, the family lived in camp housing while their dad worked on the Davis Dam. Jesse told the best stories about his time there. Those early years taught Jesse the value of hard work, pulling your weight, and not taking shortcuts.

After graduating from Kingman High, Jesse served in the U.S. Army. While in Washington State, he met Margaret–the love of his life. They eventually settled in Ogden, Utah, where they raised three daughters–Julia (Mike), Lisa (Larry), and Susan (Jay)–who were the center of his world. He didn’t always say it out loud, but his girls were everything to him.

Jesse was an honest man. He worked hard his entire life–first Commercial Security Bank, then at Cutrubus Motors, where he built a reputation as someone you could trust. He could sell anything–not because he was slick, but because people believed him. He didn’t sugarcoat anything, and he didn’t hand you fluff. He gave it to you straight, and that was part of his charm.

He had a voice you could hear from miles away, and when Jesse spoke, you knew. He wasn’t much for jokes, but he could spin a story like no one else–sometimes the facts were a little fuzzy, but the delivery was gold. He could BS with the best of them and leave you shaking your head and smiling.

His garage was famously filled with boxes of soda cans that he collected and cashed in, and nearly every room had a jar full of coins tucked somewhere nearby. He wasn’t flashy, but he was smart, thrifty, and always generous. He helped people quietly–never needing credit, always just doing the right thing because that’s who he was.

Jesse loved golfing at the country club–it was one of his greatest joys. He was a competitive player and never missed a chance to get out on the course, especially when it meant good company, a little friendly trash talk, and maybe winning a few bucks.

He was a proud grandpa to Jess (Christi), Matthew (Taylor), Hanna, Justin (Sara), Erin (Adam), JJ (Alex), and Madison. And an even prouder great grandpa to Brason, Aiden, Ainslee, Josie, Evie, Teddy, Presley, Jack, Harper and Merrit.

Jesse was preceded in death by his beloved wife Margaret, his brother Marvin, his baby sister, his grandson Maxx and his parents. We imagine them all together again now–probably giving each other a hard time and keeping an eye on the rest of us from above.

He was stubborn, strong, loyal, loud, and full of love. He lived simply, worked hard, told it like it was, and showed up for his people. If you were his, you were his for life.

He’ll be missed every day, but his stories, his strength, and his love live on in all of us.

In lieu of a service, please raise a glass to Jesse — and celebrate a life well lived.