J Donald Boren

J Donald Boren (JD), age 94, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2026, surrounded by members of his loving family, which includes seventeen grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren.

JD was born on July 15, 1931, in Bingham Canyon, Utah; one of six children born to Frances and Ellis Boren. He loved to share fond memories from his childhood with his parents and siblings Russ, Donna Rose, Bill, Jeneil, and Ron.

While at BYU, he met his wife Norma on a blind date. They were married for time and eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple in 1952. They had six children Logan (Luisa), Jay (Donnell), Jon (Amber), Ann (Steve), Brad (Staci) and Steve (Shelley). Together they served their church, family and community.

He earned his PhD at the University of Utah. However, he remained loyal to BYU throughout his life and loved watching various sports games with his children and grandchildren.

While raising a young family JD served in the United State Air Force where he developed a love for aviation. After his Air Force career, he worked in various fields blending clinical skills and business entities.

JD had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ and served faithfully in many positions with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Together with Norma they served in the Jefferson City Missouri Mission and the Mesa Arizona Temple. They also traveled abroad exploring his ancestry. Norma, his cherished eternal companion of 65 years, passed away in 2018.

JD later married Frances Stokes. They enjoyed much love and companionship spending time with family & friends splitting time between Arizona and Utah.

Some of his many hobbies & interests included love of reading, correcting injustice experienced by others, enjoying Native American Heritage and Art, the outdoors, genealogy, antiquing, or looking for a find at the local thrift store and refinishing furniture. He was never found to be at a loss of words. He continued his work for the Arizona Temple and Family History Center throughout his life.

His main focus was Church and Family. He was always a great example teaching his family to be of good character, integrity, the desire of learning & curiosity, love of nature, and instilling a strong work ethic. For example, he provided life counsel to inmates at the state prison also providing guidance to those struggling with life challenges. He also demonstrated his love of the gospel of Jesus Christ. His family brought him great joy and happiness, and he was routinely present at monumental, and some may consider insignificant events of importance to them.

Viewing: Thursday, April 23, 2026; 6 -8 p.m. - Bunker Family Funeral Home 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201

Viewing: Friday, April 24, 2026; 8 – 8:45 a.m. - Signal Butte 1st Ward; 10036 East Brown Road, Mesa, AZ 85207

Funeral: Friday, April 24, 2026; 9 – 10:30 a.m. - Signal Butte 1st Ward; 10036 East Brown Road, Mesa, AZ 85207

Interment: National Cemetery of Arizona following Funeral - 2929 East Pinnacle Peak Road; Phoenix, AZ 85024

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.