With heavy hearts and profound sadness, we honor and remember the life of Jay Dean Stevens, who entered this world on August 28, 1996, in Kingman, Arizona. Born to Dusty and Stephanie (Welch) Stevens, Jay’s arrival brought light and joy into the world. Named after his grandfather Terry Dean and uncle Terry Dean Jr., his name held meaning, strength, and legacy. Wrapped lovingly in his parents’ arms, baby Jay left Kingman Regional Hospital in the cozy comfort of his great-grandmother’s green 1994 Jeep, beginning a life full of energy, adventure, and love.
From the very beginning, Jay’s spirit was tied to the natural world. His parents introduced him early to the wonders of camping, and it was there among the rolling hills, majestic mountains, and serene valleys that Jay developed a lasting love for the outdoors. It was no surprise he earned the affectionate nickname “Jay Bird”—a tribute not only to his love for birds but also to the free spirit he embodied.
Eventually settling in Fillmore, Utah, Jay became a proud Millard Eagle, growing and thriving in a tight-knit community that nurtured his passion and creativity. Though time seemed to move too quickly—one moment he was playing with toy cars and wooden blocks, the next he was zipping around on Power Wheels and four-wheelers—Jay made every phase of life unforgettable.
Whether it was transitioning from a toy Harley Davidson to a dirt-pounding BMX bike, or fearlessly skateboarding down neighborhood streets, Jay threw himself into everything he loved. Skateboarding, in particular, became more than a hobby—it was a passion. From ollies to backslides and kickflips, Jay mastered it all with determination and style. His backyard, his streets, and skate parks became his playgrounds, where he glided not just on concrete but through life with grace, grit, and laughter.
Jay’s love for music was equally defining. Though born in the ’90s, his heart had a vintage soul. He collected vinyl records, dabbled in bass guitar, and attended concerts to soak in the sounds of the eras he loved. Music was his escape, his companion, and one of the many ways he connected with the world around him.
He was an explorer at heart. From Nevada to Oregon, and down to the coast of Mexico, Jay had an adventurous soul that led him far and wide—but no place captured his heart quite like Utah, where he explored mountain peaks, desert trails, and every corner in between.
Though slender in build, Jay had a robust appetite and a legendary love for food. He often begged his mom to cook her famous beef enchiladas, and he never passed up a plate of his dad’s smoked brisket, fresh off the Traeger. His appetite was as large as his personality—and he was known to devour “the whole enchilada” with enthusiasm.
Jay was a man of many loves—but none greater than his family. A true family man, his kindness, loyalty, and love were most evident in the time he shared with his parents and siblings, Bo and Dasia. He had a special bond with Uncle BJ (Uncle Pelv) and cherished the hours spent learning life lessons from his dad—whether that was working on real Jeeps, learning to drive stick-shift, or getting his hands dirty on the rig.
His work ethic was fierce. Learning on drill rigs, he followed in his father’s footsteps, valuing the importance of patience, precision, and commitment.
Jay also had a softer, playful side—one he often shared with his mom during long sessions of PlayStation gaming and horror movie marathons. Halloween was his favorite holiday, and he enthusiastically took part in every spooky festivity, from decorations to dress-up. But it wasn’t until his precious daughter, Harper Helena Stevens, came into his life that he found his greatest joy. Named in honor of her great-great-grandmother Helen Gelar, Harper was Jay’s entire world. His love for her was fierce, pure, and unwavering. Jay was a gentle, loving, and dedicated father, and Harper adored him just as much as he cherished her.
Also never far from his side was Loki, his loyal husky and beloved companion. The two shared a bond that only a man and his dog could understand.
Jay’s sudden passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. His life, though brief, was rich in meaning, and the memories he created will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. He was preceded in death by his beloved grandfather Marv Halsey, grandmother Colleen Foutz Halsey, siblings Sky Stevens, and his beloved daughter Harper Helena Stevens.
He is survived by his heartbroken yet proud parents Dusty and Stephanie Stevens, and his loving siblings Bo Stevens and Dasia Stevens.
Funeral services to honor the lives of both Jay Dean Stevens and his cherished grandmother Colleen Foutz Halsey will be held on:
Friday, August 1, 2025
Flowell Ward LDS Church Building
4212 W. 500 N. Fillmore, UTViewing: 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Service: 11:00 a.m.
Jay touched many lives with his kindness, passion, humor, and heart. Though his time on earth was short, his legacy is vast, his memory indelible, and his spirit ever-present.
Fly high, Jay Bird. Your light will never dim.
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