Funeral services will be broadcasted at: https://youtube.com/live/_B3UzgdqnGg?feature=share
Jeffrey James Pickles passed away April 6, 2024 at his home in Mesa, Arizona surrounded by his family. He was born April 19, 1940 in Nelson, Lancashire England, the son of James and Ivy Pickles. His family relocated to Taber, Alberta Canada in October 1954 and then in 1960 Jeff served a 2 year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in South Africa. He later attended Brigham Young University where he met his eternal sweetheart Linda and was married in August 1964. It was noticed and said by many that he treated her like a queen. Upon graduation, Jeff and Linda moved to Los Angeles, California where he began his banking career, being part of the first team to travel the state introducing Mastercard to merchants. During that same time Jeff began serving in the first of 5 LDS bishoprics, creating a legacy of lifetime service, fueled by his love of the Lord. A move to Scottsdale in 1971 established them firmly in Arizona and soon found them in Mesa where they raised their family of six children. Soon after moving to Arizona he became a US citizen and became passionate about his love of country. His other passions included family, fishing, camping and the ASU Sun Devils. He enjoyed working in the Boy Scouts and, having a special affinity for the youth, served in his church working with youth from early on all the way up to young single adults. He served on the High Council for his church and both he and Linda served as Church Service Missionaries in the Tempe LDS Institute and later in the Mesa LDS temple, cementing church service as the moving force in his life.
Jeff is survived by his wife of 59 years, Linda, and their six children Julie Alyce Butler (Delvin), Robert James Pickles (Jennifer), Jeffrey Boyd Pickles (Jill), Stacie Lynne Pickles, David Marc Pickles (Kristine), and Melinda Anne Brower (Stephen) as well as 16 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, brothers Carl Pickles and Derrick Pickles and brothers-in-law Darrell Jensen (Norma) and Brent Jensen (Kathy), all of whom he treasured and loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Ivy and a sister Brenda Henline. There will be a viewing Friday April 12th from 6-8pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. Funeral services will be Saturday April 13th at Mesa Central Stake Center, 925 N. Harris Dr., Mesa AZ 85203 with a viewing from 9-10am with the funeral commencing at 10am. Interment will be held at the Mesa City Cemetery following the services. Funeral services will be broadcasted at https://youtube.com/live/_B3UzgdqnGg?feature=share.
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.
Jeff and I have been friends since he arrived in Taber from England in 1954. We were room-mates at BYU prior to our marriages to two of Heavenly Father’s choicest daughters. Jeff (Linda) and Lloyd (Susan) have been more than friends. I expect that will be an eternal bond. Jeff is one of the greatest men that I’ve known. Knowing how much Susan is missed, I can fully understand the pain in Linda’s heart at this time and my prayers are with her.
We have been so blessed to have known Jeff. He will be greatly missed and we will miss his funny stories. He raised such a beautiful family. His love for ASU was unmatched. ASU has lost a their most valuable fan. May the family feel our love for them at this difficult time. May the Lord continue to bless all of you.
Jeff was an amazing neighbor and friend. We are so grateful to him for the kind, loving and fun ways he helped our children in their teens; they knew they were loved and cared about. Our love and prayers to Linda, their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is already missed and remembered with honor.
Uncle Jeff will be truly missed. He was always kind and pleasant to be around. I always enjoyed his laughter and humor.our prays and thoughts are with you aunt Linda and family. May god bless
Always willing to serve with a smile, Jeff was often my go-to guy when I needed help of any kind. ( The entire ward knew to go to Jeff if they wanted something done!) But my requests were a little different than most. I saw the good natured Jeff as a comic actor! Often I would hand Jeff and his leading lady Linda a script and they would cheerfully accept. In our presentation of Gilligan’s Island, Jeff portrayed Thurston Howell III with skill that would have made Jim Bacchus jealous…and of course the lovely Linda portrayed the ever sweet Maryann. Jeff and Linda, such dear, fun friends, always perfect examples of the Gospel and everyone’s best friends. We miss you Jeff!