JR married Lynda Mayer on September 1, 1961. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Ogden Utah Temple. They shared sixty-one years together enjoying their family and living life to the fullest. Lynda passed away in 2022, and he spent the last few years being cared for by his daughter Robyn and son-in-law Joel.

JR spent his life self-employed. He started in the insurance business and served as the President of the Ogden Association of Insurance Agents. This springboarded his career in the real estate business. For over forty years he owned, managed and maintained every facet of nearly 200 rental units. He was a jack of all trades who could fix anything.

He and his family enjoyed traveling – often by motorhome – to see the sites of the country. His family loved sharing motorcycles, snowmobiles, boats, and later the pool in the back yard. JR’s true passion in life was his love of restoring old Oldsmobiles. You could always find him in the garage, grease on his hands, building the most unique engines. He will forever be remembered for the devotion he had to his passion, and his mantra of doing things “my way.”

JR is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was blessed as an infant by President David O. McKay. He served in many capacities within the wards and stakes of his life. Later in life, he and Lynda were called to work as temple ordinance workers. He loved serving the Lord in this capacity. He also served on the hospital committee and found a new level of compassion for serving others.

JR was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and daughter Traci. He is survived by one sister, one brother, his children Richard, Robert, Russell (Jenn), Robyn (Joel Johnson), and Sommer (Matt Kemp), ten grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.

A memorial/viewing will take place on Thursday, September 18th, at 1 pm, 1401 Country Hills Drive, followed by a graveside service at Aultorest Memorial Park, Ogden. Thank you to IHC Hospice services and Myer’s Mortuary.