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IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Jack Charles
Thorpe
May 2, 1931 – October 8, 2023
Jack C. Thorpe, 92, was found deceased of natural causes in his home on October 8, 2023. He was born in Ogden, Utah, on May 2, 1931, to Brigham W. Thorpe and Phyllis Halverson. The oldest of four brothers, he spent his childhood in Ogden, San Francisco, and Port Angeles, Washington. He served a mission to New Zealand where he learned to speak Māori and developed a love of travel. He earned a Bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University where he met his future wife, Margaret ("Peggy") Widtsoe Wallace. They were married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on April 18, 1956, and honeymooned in Pensacola, FL, where Jack entered flight school with the US Navy.
Jack served in the Navy as a helicopter pilot for 13 years, going on cruises from Antarctica to Japan. He retired from active duty while stationed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, but continued in the US Navy reserves until he retired as a Commander. Jack had a deep love of his country In civilian life, Jack was hired in 1972 by the FBI, starting in Los Angeles and eventually ending up in Chicago. His most famous FBI case was "Operation Greylord," which did much to clean up corruption in the Chicago judicial system and in law enforcement. He also developed his love of computers and technology during this time, developing a software program to help his investigation. The FBI ultimately used his software throughout the Bureau. He retired in 1992 as Security Supervisor for the FBI. After retirement, Jack moved with Peggy to St. George, UT where he began to do contract work for the federal government which included more international travel.
At the age of 80, Jack decided to retire full time when he began to pursue a number of new and postponed hobbies with relish, such as hiking, camping, photography, painting, and sculpturing. He served for many years in the St. George temple baptistry and was dubbed Dunkin' Jack by the other ordinance workers, due to his astounding stamina in performing baptisms. He also served as a missionary at the Family History Center where he used his technological and photographic skills to help patrons convert photos.
Jack is survived by his brother, Steve Thorpe, and his daughters, Allison Ward (husband, Warren), Susan, and Tracy (husband, Wade), as well as his daughter-in-law, Jeannie, nine grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy (2011), and his son, Brett (2003).
Above all, while raising children, Jack had a great love of spending time with his family. All of the children remember going out together as a family every weekend, to the beach, or for picnics in the woods, playing kick the can together. Many wonderful memories were made for each of the children.
Jack was an avid hiker and had a tremendous love of nature and the world all around him. He always brought his Westie, "Winnie" with him. They were best buddies. Jack enjoyed his life of great adventure and loved to share his amazing stories about events that ordinary people only read about or see in movies. He had a great sense of humor all his life, and laughed easily and enthusiastically, reminding us all to look on the light side of life. He was well-loved by family and friends.
Funeral services will be held Monday, October 16, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd., St. George, Utah. A visitation will be held Monday, prior to services, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the mortuary. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 South Dixie Drive, St. George, Utah.
Live streaming webcast is available by clicking on the broadcast below. Webcast will remain on-line for 90 days.
Visitation
Metcalf Mortuary - St. George
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Funeral Service
Metcalf Mortuary - St. George
Starts at 1:00 pm
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