Before the question I will write who it was asked by.
(Jo Anne)
1. What experiences in your life have built your testimony/made you a better person? I feel that consistency and keeping my nose to the grindstone along with the joy that the Church has brought to my life (nothing miraculous) have contributed to my testimony. As to the better person part of the question, a bit hard to answer.
(Matthew)
2. Who is your hero and why? I probably have a number of heroes in various situations. My Dad and Mom are both heroes. They worked hard and worried in seeing we were clothes and fed including Dad working 10 plus hour days and more at Christmas time for $25 a week an maybe a little extra commission. He was a great salesman and Mom was a hard worker. An early priesthood leader and my scoutmaster were heroes. I have a few sports heroes, and you might say that all of my extended family members I treasure as heroes. Pride may be a bad word, but I'm proud of all of you.
(Charissa)
3. Where did you and Grandma meet? What did you do on dates? I met Grandma Beverly and Grandma Donna in Church. Beverly was living with her sister, LuDean, a block or so from where I was staying with my sister, Mary Beth. We got acquainted when she attended our ward Mutual with a friend. I was stationed in the Army nearby when I met Grandma Donna at a small branch of the Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. Beverly and I went to Church dances and activities and local movies as well as family events. Donna and I had a few mostly group activities. That was it until 50 plus years later. Refer to my personal history article, "Finding Donna May."
(Sarah and Megan)
4. Tell us a story of each of your children from when they were young/during their growing up years. I'll give something in general and a few memories of each of them.
They were all excellent students and a pleasure to have in the home. They enjoyed friends and family and were well thought of. They learned much from life and their surroundings.
Jo Anne: A lovely girl, honor student, her degree of knowledge seemed to be a challenge to some of her teachers, musically talented (very accomplished in piano and voice), an ardent book worm, creative in numerous ways, and much more. Traveled on a family trip to New York and back to Utah reading in the back seat of the car. On daddy daughter church activities we were number one.
Dennis: Honor student, very inquisitive, organized, good helper to his dad. Not into sleeping out with friends. Enjoyed sports, but not into little league. Liked to keep numbers/statistics especially of sports activities. When working as a custodian at one of the elementary schools, his mom indicated that he rigged up a way on the machine to view television as he waxed or buffed floors.
Alan: Honor student, friendly, very easy to deal with, a sports person, into some school activities and sports, very willing to help out. Musically inclined but didn't take lessons-had some natural talents. When competing in a cross country event he ended near the back of the pack. His excuse was he didn't know the course. Mom suggested he should have followed one of the leaders and not that last runner.
Kent: Honor student, a lad of many talents, the most outgoing of the children, a Jack/Kent of all trades-would tackle any task. A great help around the home, sports minded, t he only one who ever owned an animal (a rabbit) (long story). Very accomplished on piano and organ-was ward organist when I was bishop. His mom was chorister. We share the same wedding date, June 16.
(Becca)
5. What is one of your favorite things about being a dad and grandpa? Being a Dad/Grandpa has certainly been great. Especially knowing that families can be together forever. They all show great love and concern and are the greatest possessions.
(Stephanie)
6. What is one of your favorite places that you've visited? I have been fortunate to have done a lot of traveling to many exciting places. The mission of Beverly and I to New Zealand the land of my Father's birth along with visiting Scotland and Wales the place where my mother's parents were born were extremely choice experiences.
(Nathan)
7. Other than Utah, what is your favorite state, and why? Other than the USA, what is your favorite country, and why? I'm sure you would like me to say Georgia is my second favorite state. It probably is along with my new residence, Idaho. In addition to being a beautiful land, New Zealand with our family connections is my number one choice of countries.
(Ashley)
8. What is one of your favorite childhood memories? After we moved from Providence, Utah, I went back a number of Summers to work on the farm of my Uncle Ken and Jensen Grandparents. Another fond memory was a family trip to California and the World Fair on Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay.
(Erin)
9. As a child, did your family have any traditions that you continued to do once you had your own children? We had a few carry over traditions from my parents. They were mostly Christmas related. Using sofa and chair set cushions for each child's gifts being one of them. Beverly carried a family tradition by providing great Sunday roast dinners.
(Nanette)
10. What is something that you have always wanted to, but never have? There are still a few things on my "bucket list." A river cruise and shooting my age in golf 18 holes are included. As I age I am getting closer on the golf.
(Dane)
11. What are some of the ways the world has changed from when you were growing up? There have been numerous changes in the world over my lifetime, even my half lifetime. Technology has brought about changes in practically every way--especially in communications, travel, and entertainment.
(Naomi)
12. What is one of your favorite places/things to do when people come to visit you? When visitors come to town we usually start with Chuck-A-Rama or Primo Pizza. We visit a lot and golf and musical productions in Nampa or in the outdoor theater in the mountains north in Garden Valley are fun.
(Nicholas)
13. What is your secret to living a long life? Probably my secret of a long life is to keep breathing and to stay out of the way of cars and trains and javelins.
14. What is one of your favorite scripture heroes? Nephi the son of Lehi is a scripture favorite. His dedication, devotion, and his unfailing faith are a great example to all. (I will go and do the things with the Lord has commanded.)
15. What was your favorite age and why? I have many favorite ages from a carefree childhood, to high school and college, army time, marriage, children, and now a great posterity. Even closing in one "Graduation" is an important part of life.
16. What kind of games did you play growing up? The games we played growing up were mostly made up outside games such as hide and seek and kick the can, with a few board and card games inside. We boys were mainly into sports and were also good at rolling tires.
17. What were your best and worst subjects in school? I was always interested in geography and nature. Probably those were my best subjects. I was quite good in regular math and arithmetic, but really wasn't big on algebra and geometry.
18. What is your favorite food? My favorite food is probably dinner with roast, potatoes, gravy, and carrots. Deliciously prepared by Jo Anne, Beverly, or Donna.
19. What was your first car? My first car was a 1940 Studebaker Commander. Beverly and I left on our honeymoon with the engine knocking and returned with that and more problems.
20. What was your favorite decade? I have enjoyed all of the decades of my life in their turn and as my life continued to change. I feel the decade of the 1930's (The Great Depression years) were most enjoyed. School was fun, we had good friends, and no gadgets to entertain us. We didn't feel we were poor because everyone was in the same situation. I kept contact with my friends of the 30's until they passed on. Very few remain.
21. What did you admire about Grandma most? What I admired most about both Grandma's was their charming personalities, their fabulous looks and demeanor's, and how I truly enjoyed being in their presence. I always wondered what I did right to deserve such companions. Both kept a tight ship and a nice household, and Beverly, and I'm sure Donna, were good at raising family and were number one mothers. Most of you are an example of the results of their family/household skills.
22. What did you admire about Grandma Donna most? As to what I admire most about Grandma Donna is pretty well explained in question 21. She is especially good at making me think I am a great guy and that there may be some hope for me.
23. What do you believe are the keys to a successful marriage? The main key to a successful and happy marriage is to consider our spouse first and work together. Really enjoy being together and show that he/she is the most important thing in your life and life hereafter.
24. What accomplishments are you most proud of? The accomplishments I am most proud of mainly pertain to family. I was raised in a fine family and am very pleased with the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren with whom I have been blessed. They are very loving and a joy to be around. I hope I have had some influence on their lives. I am certain they are a joy also in the eyes of their Heavenly Father and also to their Grandma Beverly.
25. What is some advice you have for your posterity? My advice to my posterity includes loving one another, learn all you can spiritually and otherwise, trust in the Lord with all your heart, work hard, stay close to the Church and live the commandments.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is truly God's Church. Joseph Smith was chosen to be the Prophet of the Restoration. The "Book of Mormon" is a great and inspired book, and we are blessed to have prophets in our midst today. I have always been active in the Church and have found great joy in my activity and service. I pray that you all will continue through the lives you live and your Church activity to have happy and joyful lives, and continue to bring happiness and peace to your family and many others. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
With love, Grandpa "J"
Grandpa said he was happy to respond to our questions and he learned a lot about himself through it. As a thanks to answering our questions I'm sure he'd love a visit from everyone, or even just a call! I know every time I talk to him he tells me how much he enjoys our visits and wants us to visit again!
We love you Grandpa and are so thankful for your love, example, and laughs!
