J William Dirksen Obituary (1936

Dr. J. William (Jay) Dirksen Washington City, Utah J. William Dirksen (Jay) 81, passed away on Sunday April 22, 2018 peacefully at home. He was born on May 16, 1936 to John H. and Louise (Hitch) Dirksen in Hutchinson, Kansas. He was the eldest of three children. Jay graduated from Enterprise Academy in 1954. Upon graduation he was offered a scholarship to Julliard School of Music in New York City, however due to a special Science teacher he had during his time at the academy he changed his educational pursuit from Music to Science. After graduating from Enterprise Academy, Jay attended Union College where he met and later married Marlys J. McTaggart on September 7, 1957. They extended their family with three children. Jay graduated from the University of Nebraska School Of Pharmacy in 1959 and practiced community pharmacy, as owner and manager, in the Lincoln, Nebraska College View community. In order to pursue further educational interests he sold his pharmacy and moved his family to Lafayette, Indiana where he enrolled in Purdue University’s Bionucleonics Division of the School of Pharmacy. There he completed a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees (1972). His training and expertise was in the field of Nuclear Medicine and Medical Radiation Physics. Dr. Dirksen joined the faculty of the Department of Radiology at the University of Nebraska Medical School, Omaha, Nebraska. After teaching and conducting medical research he transitioned to Medical Clinical Research in Salt Lake City, Utah where he finished his professional career. He retired to St. George, Utah in 2001, where he pursued his love for the great outdoors. Jay spent most of his free time in nature with friends and family. His interests were camping, hiking, and fly fishing. His exuberance knew no bounds when he was high in the mountains, away in nature. Jay was a life-long member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. During his lifetime he served in many capacities within the local congregations: youth leader, Counselor, Deacon, Elder and Church Administration. He and Marlys felt a calling from God to be active leaders within their Church Family and were always eager to serve. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marlys, his three children; James, Shari, and Todd (Jessica): four grandchildren: Logan Dirksen, Sabree Dirksen, Griffan Oestreich, and Jakob Dirksen. Sisters: JoAn (Dr.Gerald) Powell, and Janet (Clark) Jacobs, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. A memorial service will be held on May 5, 2018 at 3:00 p.m., at the Red Cliffs Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1165 W. Silicon Circle, St. George, Utah 84770. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Holbrook Indian School, PO Box 910, Holbrook, Arizona 86025.