Major Jay P. Best III

Jay Phillip Best III, 79, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2026 in Holladay, Utah, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on November 18, 1946, in Austin Minnesota, to Jay Phillip Best Jr. and Carroll Phyllis Schmidt Best. 

Jay enlisted in the United States Army in 1966. He moved through the ranks and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Ordnance Corps in 1967. During his 20 years of active-duty military service, he served tours in Vietnam, Korea, Belgium, Germany, and throughout the United States. He retired as a Major in the U.S. Army, from Fort Douglas, Utah, in 1986. Major Best loved his time serving and protecting his country. 

Between deployments and assignments around the world, Jay and his first wife Patricia, were converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This decision has blessed the lives of their seven children: Jennifer (Glen) Gillen, Kelly (Matt) Burke, Jay IV (Anna Lee) Best, Erika (Junior) Taulafoga, Brock (Annie) Best, Brittney (John) Gunther, and Cody (Bre) Best. 

Jay was deeply passionate about the freedoms and liberties afforded to us as Americans. He believed strongly in the Constitution and in every individual’s right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. He spoke passionately about the importance of recognizing, appreciating, and rejoicing in the blessings and freedoms we enjoy as citizens of the United States - a country he loved and proudly served. 

Major Best is survived by his wife, Gina; seven children; four siblings; nieces; nephews; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his mother, Carroll; his father, Jay Jr.; his brother Kurt; his sister-in-law, Nina; and many of his brothers and sisters-in-arms with whom he served in the U.S. Army. 

A family graveside service, with full military honors, will be held on September 30, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., at Camp Williams State Military Reservation, 17800 South Redwood Road, Lehi, Utah. 

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many caregivers who cared for our father during his final days, with a special thanks to Highland Cove’s Jana and nurse Molly; hospice nurses Holly Fox and Robyn; nurse Dean; hospice nurse aide Laura; and care technicians Tara, Jovi, and Alyssa. Your combined advocacy, compassion, and tender care, will never be forgotten.