Jack Hunter Gifford

Jack Hunter Gifford, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on October 17, 2026, in Mapleton, Utah, at the age of 87.

Jack was born on December 27, 1938, in Crossett, Arkansas, to Odell Jeffie Gifford and Dorothy Mildred McKelvy Gifford. Throughout his life, Jack was known for his strong work ethic, remarkable ability to invent, create, and solve problems, his sense of humor, and his willingness to help anyone in need. He married his sweetheart, Leah Alice Holly, on March 19, 1960, in the Los Angeles California Temple.

Jack was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He cherished the gospel of Jesus Christ and found great joy in his family, Church service, and the blessings of the temple. His life was marked by a deep commitment to his faith and a sincere desire to serve others.

Jack served in numerous Church callings, including as a bishop in Prattville, Alabama; as a high councilor in Utah, Texas, Alabama, Maryland, and Virginia; and as a Seventy, where he led missionary work in Provo, Utah. He and Leah served two full-time missions together: the Russia St. Petersburg Mission from 2000 to 2002 and the Nauvoo Mission from 2012 to 2013.

Jack's love for temple service continued throughout his life. He and Leah served as temple workers in five temples: Washington, D.C.; Dallas, Texas; Littleton, Colorado; Provo, Utah; and Payson, Utah. His faith in Jesus Christ and his testimony of the gospel provided strength and comfort throughout life's joys and challenges.

Jack loved engaging in conversations with family and close friends about the gospel and the scriptures. He was fascinated by Mesoamerican history and ancient archaeology, subjects he studied as a minor at Brigham Young University. His curiosity extended to all things science, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and BYU.

Jack spent his early years in Crossett, Arkansas, before his family moved to Orange, Texas. He joined the Church in 1952 while living in Texas, just one month before Leah was baptized in California, each beginning a journey of faith that would eventually bring them together.

Jack attended Lutcher Stark High School in Orange, Texas, where he distinguished himself as a talented football player. Several colleges, including Texas A&M, Baylor University, the University of Arkansas, Louisiana State University, and Dartmouth College, recruited him to play football. When Jack learned that the Church had a university of its own, Brigham Young University, he knew that was where he wanted to be.

Jack played running back and defensive back for BYU for four years. He was the team's leading scorer in 1959 and 1960 and led the team in rushing and receiving in 1960. He was a proud member of the Saxon fraternity and graduated from BYU in 1961. His love for BYU remained an important part of his life.

Jack's professional life reflected his creativity, ingenuity, and versatility. His career included working at the Center for Cell Research at BYU and as a field engineer for Brown & Root, based in Houston, Texas. He later became part owner of Art City Bronze in Springville, Utah, worked with Mapleton artist Stan Johnson. He also worked as an independent contractor in several capacities. Throughout his career, Jack brought curiosity, resourcefulness, and a gift for creating things to every endeavor.

Above all, Jack treasured his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Leah Gifford; his brother, Robert "Bob" Wayne Gifford; and his six children: Terah Lorraine Johnson (Eric), Benjamin Gifford (Gina Mendenhall), Matthew Wayne Gifford (Toni Michelle Cook), Dinah Alice Valencia (Roderick Michael Ward "Kana" Valencia), Samuel Jack "Jackson" Gifford (Sandra Elizabeth Munoz), and Sarah Lynn Abarca (Carlos Abarca). He also leaves behind 24 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren, a lasting legacy of love spanning generations.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Odell Jeffie Gifford and Dorothy Mildred McKelvy Gifford, and his sisters, Donna Loy Gifford and Wanda Fay Gifford.

The family finds comfort in the knowledge of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and the promise of eternal families and the Resurrection. Jack's life was a testament to his faith, his love of learning, his devotion to his family, and his desire to serve the Lord. His influence will continue through the many lives he touched and the generations who will carry his legacy forward.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 11 :00 a.m. at the Mapleton 23rd Ward building, located at 1050 North 300 West, Mapleton, Utah. A viewing will be held at the same location that morning from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. An additional viewing will be held Thursday evening at [location and time to be announced]. Interment will follow at Spanish Fork Cemetery.

The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to all who have offered love, prayers, support, and care during this time. Your kindness and compassion are deeply appreciated.