Jae LeRoy Walker

Jae Leroy Walker, 71, of Glendora, CA, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, on May 20, 2014, at his second home in the Cottonwood area of Salt Lake City, UT. Jae was born to Roi and Aileen Walker in St. George, UT, on November 30, 1942. During his childhood, Jae lived wherever his father, an army officer, was stationed, giving him encounters with other cultures, many opportunities for adventures, and instilling in him a life-long passion to be on the move and see new places. He lived in Panama, Japan, and in several areas of the United States before returning to Utah to finish high school. In 1960, he graduated from Logan High School and soon thereafter enrolled at Utah State University, where he would meet his future wife, Kathleen Ann Pettit.
Always committed to his faith, Jae interrupted his schooling and left his sweetheart to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in southern Germany from 1963-1965. After returning from Germany, Jae and Kathleen were married in Salt Lake City on July 9, 1965. Jae went on to complete his business degree at the University of Utah. After graduation from college, Jae was hired in 1969 by Wells Fargo Bank, where he would remain an employee until his retirement in 2011.
After working for a few years in northern California, Jae was transferred in 1973 to southern California, a move that brought Jae and Kathleen to Glendora, a community they would grow to love and the place where they would raise their six children.
Jae's quick intellect, hard work, and common sense propelled him into leadership positions at Wells Fargo Bank. Because he treated everyone with dignity, grace, and compassion, Jae had a remarkable ability to motivate others to be their best, to trust each other, and to work with steadfastness of purpose.
Having this gift of leadership, Jae was called upon to serve his church and Savior in many different capacities. He was a counselor to several bishops, a bishop himself, and a member of the high council, dedicating much of his time, in particular, to the service of the youth and elderly. His tireless and unassuming service to those in need touched many, including his children, who learned by his example what it means to love our neighbor.
Jae was a devoted husband and an excellent example for his children about what it means to love and care for his wife. He and Kathleen nurtured their relationship, having fun when they could and sharing burdens when necessary. Together they wove a tapestry of friendships that touched lives and brought others joy. Both were happiest when they were making memories with their family and friends. There were always plans in the works for the next night out, for welcoming the next set of guests to their home, for taking trips to see family, or for having adventures with friends. These adventures included the annual summer camping trip at Leo Carrillo State Beach in Malibu, CA, an event that has drawn neighbors, friends, and family for more than 30 years. For Jae, these good times were all the better when they could include driving one of the many awesome cars he owned over the years.
Jae was preceded in death by Kathleen, his beloved wife of more than 45 years, who passed away on March 5, 2011, and his sister, Toni Bunker, who passed away on September 12, 1997.
Jae is survived by his sisters Leslie Tomlinson, Lynne Newton, and Jerri Sume; his brother, Larry Walker; his children, Brent, Jason, Amy, John, Aaron, and Sean; his daughters-in-law, Deborah, Brenda, Robin, Jennifer, and Sara; and his grandchildren, Karsten, Hannah, Sterling, Christopher, Colby, Jasmine, Delaney, Sophie, Nathan, Samantha, Mary, Taylor, Kristen, Sarah, Allison, William, Lindsey, Claire, Olive, Ender, Nicole, and Cosette.
Jae's generous life will be celebrated at a funeral service to be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 29, in the chapel of the Glendora Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2121 East Route 66, Glendora, CA. The funeral service will be preceded by a viewing in the same location, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Jae will be laid to rest next to his dear Kathleen on Saturday, May 31, at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, UT. A graveside service will take place at 10:00 a.m.
Flowers can be sent to White's Funeral Home, 404 East Foothill Blvd., Azusa, CA 91702. Jae's memory can also be honored with donations in his name to the following organizations: The Glendora Education Foundation http://glendoraedfoundation.org/ways-to-give/ or the LDS General Missionary Fund http://www.ldsphilanthropies.org/missionary/ . Condolences may be sent to the family at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com .