Jay Grant Chesley, 91, passed away Friday, June 8, 2018 at the home of his daughter in Idaho Falls, surrounded by his 5 children.  He was born July 16, 1926 in Hubbard, Graham County, Arizona to Edgar H. Chesley and Lucy Allen Chesley.   He was the 12 ^th of 15 children.

He graduated from Fort Thomas High School in Fort Thomas, Arizona.

He served in the Navy during World War II as a radio operator where he learned to decipher Morse code.  He married the love of his life, Loma Jean Scott, April 18, 1945 in Oceanside, California where he was stationed.  Their marriage was later solemnized June 13, 1952 in the Mesa Arizona LDS Temple.  When the war ended they moved to Phoenix, Arizona where Jay worked in the propane business.  His work took them to Wellton and Yuma Arizona, Richfield, Utah, and then to Idaho Falls in 1967 where he was the district manager of Petrolane Gas Co.  He and Loma moved to Dillon, Montana in 1980 and were there 9 years working in the propane business, and while there he was elected to serve on the city council. He and Loma moved back to Idaho Falls where he has lived since.

He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving as bishop 3 times. He touched many lives and showed great concern for each individual he served.

Jay is survived by his 5 children, Steven Jay Chesley (Breta) Helena, Montana, Janet Denise Palmer (Darwin) Idaho Falls, Julia Jean Daines (Roger) Spanaway, Washington, Sally Joyce Lindberg, Baytown, Texas, Susan Jane Buys (Dean) Idaho Falls, a foster son, Bob Swift (Debbie) Salem, Oregon, sister-in-law Norma Lou Bryce of Pima, Arizona, brother-in-law Harold Scott of Florida, 21 grandchildren, and 39 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Loma, parents, 8 brothers, 6 sisters, son-in-law Rick Lindberg, and great-granddaughter, Cori Smith.

Jay was loved by his family and made a special effort to have a relationship with all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Services will be held Tuesday, June 12 at 11:00 a.m. at the Kearney LDS Church, 1860 Kearney Street in Idaho Falls.  The family will receive friends Monday, June 11 from 7:00 to 8:30 at Coltrin Mortuary and one hour prior to services.  Burial will be in the Lincoln Cemetery. Condolences may be sent online at www.coltrinmortuary.com