"Jaye" Dennis Jabczynski Obituary (1940 - 2026)

On February 16, 2026 Dennis “Jaye” Jabczynski graduated from this world at age 86 and set off for his next great adventure, most certainly with many cherished family members and friends on the other side there to guide him home. Jaye was born in Chicago, Illinois to Casimer Jabczynski and Florence Frost on January 10, 1940. He remained in Illinois through his childhood and teenage years, and then joined the Air Force at age 20. He was in the military for 7 years, including service in the Vietnam War. As many vets do, he experienced multiple unfortunate effects of his service. We are so grateful that he now can lay these to rest and be at peace. After Jaye completed his military service he set off on a career in law enforcement in Utah, beginning as an officer for Sunset City Police Dept and a resource officer working with students at Sunset Jr High. He had a wonderful impact on the kids there and they adored him. He went on to work as an officer for Clinton City Police Dept, a corrections officer with Davis County Sheriff’s Office, and then finally as a security guard for Job Corp. Jaye had a wicked sense of humor and absolutely loved to play pranks on everyone, as his family and coworkers will attest… loudly and with great detail! Seriously, a book should be compiled of his antics; some of them were so elaborate and creative and well-planned (not to mention diabolical)! To everyone’s great relief he sometimes took a break from mischief and channeled his creativity into things like painting, poetry, woodworking, making wonderful lighthouses and windmills - he was incredibly talented. He also enjoyed cheering for the Chicago Bears, collecting coins, watching old westerns on TV, and basking in his wonderfully colorful backyard. There is just no one like him - Jaye’s impact reaches far and wide. He had a giant heart and a real knack for getting through to troubled youth and adults like no one else. Those of us with the Jabczynski name have heard many times when we say our last name to new random people we meet out in the world… “Woah, are you related to Jaye?! I LOVE that guy!” Jaye married the love of his life, Neola “Nene” Young in 1965. Together they created a beautiful family: 4 children, 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, many dogs and cats, and even a frog. Jaye loved them all dearly. He and Nene have also opened their door many times over the years and taken in extended family members and friends when needed. It makes us so happy to think of the grand reunions Jaye is having with his family members and friends on the other side. Those who went on before him are his father and mother, several brothers and sisters, his son, Nolan; and many good friends. Jaye’s legacy lives on through his wife, Nene; daughter, Dawn Gerrard (Ron); daughter, Sonya Jabczynski; son, David Jabczynski; beautiful grandchildren; sister, Sheryl Arfa (Marty); sister, Wendy Toms (Robert); as well as several other siblings and many other beloved family members and friends. A wonderful legacy indeed. Fly high, Dear One, and we’ll see you on the other side! There will be a Celebration of Life (and Beyond!!) party for Jaye on Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 4 pm to 7 pm at Jaye and Nene’s home. We would love to hear any funny Jaye stories you have! We invite you to share your memories of Jaye and upload photos that celebrate his life on the memorial page. Your stories will help keep the memory of Jaye's remarkable life alive, and in doing so, continue the legacy of love, laughter, and service that he embodied. Arrangements under the direction of Myers Mortuary of Layton.