Jay Busby

Abraham Jay Busby, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, uncle, friend, and devoted disciple of Jesus Christ, passed away on June 10, 2025, in Tucson, Arizona, at the age of 86. He leaves behind a legacy of unwavering faith, kindness, and service. His absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved him.

Jay was born on January 3, 1939, in Tucson, Arizona, the eighth of nine children born to John and Frances Busby. Raised in a close-knit and loving home, he shared his childhood with siblings Thelma, Maurice, Jack, Fern, Jerry, Janet, his twin brother Ray, and Jim, as well as many cousins. From an early age, Jay learned the value of hard work as he helped care for the family's cattle. He graduated in 1957 as a member of the first graduating class of Pueblo High School.

A faithful and lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jay often said he was “born of goodly parents,” echoing words from the Book of Mormon. His testimony and love for the Gospel shaped every aspect of his life.

In 1959, Jay was called to serve a thirty-month church mission in Northern Mexico. During his final month, the American missionaries from his mission were unexpectedly required to leave Mexico. Recognized for his leadership and dependability, Jay was entrusted with the responsibility of coordinating the safe return of the American missionaries which remained unaccounted for. Using his parents’ only vehicle, without any modern communication methods, he successfully accomplished this challenging task.

In 1962, Jay met Irlys Swanson at an LDS Institute dance, which changed the course of his life. They were married in the Mesa Arizona Temple on August 23, 1963, and Irlys joked that they never attended another dance after that. Together they built a life of love and service for over 62 years. That same year, Jay began his military obligation by joining the Army Reserve, where he served for six years.

Jay earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Arizona in 1962 and remained a proud Wildcat throughout his life. He particularly enjoyed U of A basketball. After obtaining his CPA license, he joined a small accounting firm and became a partner in 1968. He continued working as a CPA until his retirement in 2007, founding what became the respected firm of Busby, Sanford, Brady.

Family was Jay’s greatest joy. Between 1965 and 1979, he and Irlys welcomed six children into their home: Virginia, Kent, Kevin, Curtis, A. Jay, and Matthew. In 1983, they followed a prompting to expand their family once more, welcoming Phelan Whitehair into their home through a church-facilitated program. Jay loved his children deeply and made family a daily priority — family scripture study and home evenings were cherished traditions. Home evenings often concluded with a trip to Dairy Queen, a favorite among the family.

Jay served faithfully in many church callings, including as Bishop (1982–1987), Counselor in the Stake Presidency (1987–1992), and as Stake President (1992–2002). He led with compassion and humility, especially cherishing opportunities to serve the youth. The youth knew he loved them. Though his professional and church responsibilities were many, his children remember him as present, attentive, and full of joy at home.

In 2002, Jay and Irlys began serving two days a week in the Mesa Arizona Temple, a calling he treasured. In 2003, then-Apostle Russell M. Nelson, now the Church President, conferred the sealing power upon Jay. He served faithfully in that sacred role as a sealer until his passing. A long-held dream was realized in 2007 when he and Irlys served a mission together in the San José Costa Rica Temple. There, Jay used his Spanish skills and loving nature to uplift and serve those around him.

Jay was called to serve as a Patriarch in 2010, and in 2017, he was called to serve in the presidency of the newly dedicated Tucson Arizona Temple — both callings he accepted with humility and reverence. As a Tucson native, he was thrilled beyond measure to have a temple here.

Jay's life was anchored in his testimony of Jesus Christ. He treated all with respect and dignity, whether ministering to someone in prison or counseling with various church

leaders. Jay’s devotion was manifested in the way he treated everyone with love and kindness. While serving as Stake President, he would often ask the congregation to sing his favorite hymn, “Love One Another.” The words of the hymn encapsulate his life. “As I have loved you, Love one Another. . . By this shall men know ye are my disciples. If ye have love, One to another.” He truly lived these words.

Jay was eternally optimistic and saw the best in everyone. He was humble and gracious and never took advantage of others. His integrity and loyalty were unmatched. His wife and children will attest that they never heard him speak an unkind word about anyone. He began each day happy and full of enthusiasm. In the mornings, his family regularly heard him sing the words of another beloved hymn which begins, “Oh how lovely was the morning. . .” — a reflection of his joy in the Gospel.

He is survived by his loving wife, Irlys; their seven children and their spouses (Virginia and Randy, Kent and Nancy, Kevin and Shannan, Phelan and Nancy, Curtis and Hyeson, A. Jay and Heidi, and Matt and Cassie); 18 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren (with 3 more on the way); and his brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Marilyn. His influence spans generations, and his legacy of faith and goodness will endure.

As his family left the hospital following his passing, Irlys summed up his life perfectly: “He was a good husband, a good father, and a good disciple of Christ.”

This is how Jay wished to be remembered.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Tucson Arizona Stake Center, 105 North Norton Avenue. Jay will be interred at the Binghampton Cemetery, 4001 North Alvernon Way, Tucson.