Jacob John "Jack" Van Ry

Jack graduated from Granite High School in 1949 as ‘Outstanding Athlete,’ was an All-State athlete and excelled academically. During high school, Jack worked to financially support his family while his Dad served a mission in The Netherlands. Jack had a special bond with his brothers, especially, Corny, and his sweet sister, Jeannette. As the eldest, Jack continually demonstrated his care and concern for their welfare.

Jack graduated from the University of Utah. He served active duty in the U.S. Army in Austria and Italy. He also played on the U.S. Army basketball team and retired with the rank of Major. Jack was extremely patriotic, had a deep love for his country and was proud to be an American.

From 1951-53, he served as a missionary in The Netherlands for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Sharing his rich bass voice, Jack sang in a missionary quartet which was broadcast over national radio in The Netherlands. By serving a mission, Jack forfeited two sports scholarships at the University of Utah.

After Jack’s Army Reserve Service and subsequent marriage to Cherie Weight on September 16, 1955 in the Salt Lake Temple, he again attempted to join the U of U basketball team. Because the coach wouldn’t allow married players on the team, Jack’s U of U basketball buddies insisted he practice with them. They knew Jack’s amazing athletic skills would improve their game.

Jack worked in pharmaceutical sales the majority of his career. In his early 50s, his employment trajectory changed to stocks and bonds. During the 1960’s, Jack served on the High Council and as Bishop of the Butler 9th Ward. From 1971-74, Jack moved his family to Columbus, Ohio for advancement in his employment. After living in Columbus for a month, Jack was called to serve as Stake President. He stated that his children’s spiritual growth in Columbus was unmatched up to that point in their lives.

In 1974, Jack moved his family to the East Millcreek area, built a home and watched his family thrive surrounded by exceptional friends and neighbors. In 2017, Jack and Cherie moved from East Millcreek to South Jordan and were showered with love and service by new friends and neighbors for which they remain grateful.

Jack was very proud of his Dutch heritage and loved the Dutch culture. Everything from delectable food and Dutch chocolate to beautiful landscapes dotted with windmills, tulips and greenery. His love of the Dutch language and the people was evident. With Cherie’s never ending support, Jack was delighted to serve as Mission President of The Netherlands-Amsterdam Mission from 1988-1991.

In 2005, Jack was recruited by Merit Medical to oversee their European Operations based in Maastricht, Netherlands for three years. During his employment, he served as Bishop of the Heerlen, Netherlands Ward. In 2008, after only 6 short months back home, Jack was called to serve as Temple President of The Netherlands Den Hague Temple for another three years. Finally, Jack served as a sealer in both the Salt Lake and Jordan River Temples. Jack had a genuine willingness and desire to serve in every church calling he received.

Jack was a music lover and could be heard singing regularly throughout the house, during car rides or whenever he felt inspired to burst into song. His sense of humor was on full display as he spontaneously created goofy rhymes while crooning. He was a dedicated participant in his ward choirs.

Family was of utmost importance to Jack. When he wasn’t traveling for his job, he loved spending time with his family boating, playing sports or card games, singing and traveling to the beach, and to church and U.S. History sites. Jack was thrilled to attend his children and grandchildren’s sporting events and musical programs. He was always a proud and supportive father and grandfather. Jack was deeply grateful to be sealed in the temple to his eternal companion, Cherie, who was the love of his life. He continually commented on her spirituality, intelligence, talents and beauty. They would have celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary this year.

Paramount in Jack’s life was his unwavering testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Savior’s atonement. Now that Jack’s spirit is free, he assuredly continues to serve Heavenly Father’s children on the other side. Jack was and is a true disciple of Jesus Christ.

Jack is survived by his ‘beautiful bride’, Cherie, his children, Charlayne Oliver (Dirk), San Diego, CA, Wendy Starkey (Tom), Bountiful, UT, John Van Ry, Oakley, UT, Stephanie Broome, South Jordan, UT, and, son-in-law Carl Barton, NSL, UT. Grandchildren: Heidi, Whitney & Kami Oliver, Holly Oliver Cherry (Brandon), Dane (Chelsea) Barton, Sean (Adell) Barton, Austin (Shelby) Van Ry, Eric Starkey, Megan Broome Griffiths (Trent), Jake Broome (Emma Collins), Courtney Broome, Great grandchildren: Jace, Denver & Dakota Van Ry, Bo & Millie Barton, Jaelyn Barton, (happily anticipating 2 more on the way)

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cornelius and Hendrica Van Ry, siblings, William Wessell, Cornelius, Jr, Jeannette Clark and his daughter, Leslie Barton.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 11:00 am at the River Ridge 1st Ward, 10124 So 1300 West, South Jordan, UT. Viewings will be held on Friday, August 16 from 6:30-8:00 pm and Saturday, August 17 from 9:30-10:30 am at the same address.

Interment: Wasatch Lawn Cemetery, 3401 HIghland Drive, SLC, UT