John B. Malcolm

John Bell Malcolm
January 9, 1928 – October 15, 2026

A Life of Faith, Family, Service, and Love
John Bell Malcolm, affectionately known as “Jack” to family and friends and “Pops” and “Papa” to his children, passed away due to natural causes on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at his home in South Jordan, Utah, surrounded by love and his devoted family. He was 98 years old.

Jack was born January 9, 1928, in Burbank, California, to Wilbur Leonard Malcolm and Flosia Malcolm née Gubler. He was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the age of eight.
Attended Oxnard Elementary School in Burbank from first grade onto third, then onto Lankershim Grade School from 4th to the 6th grade.

He attended North Hollywood Junior High and graduated from there in 1943 and went onto North Hollywood High School, where he graduated on January 25, 1946. He received a physical fitness award during his senior year and briefly played football on the B team. His football career ended when he broke his ankle shortly after being tackled during his first practice game – a story that became part of his family history. Jack loved learning, school, and reading. We could always find him reading the morning newspaper every day and/or a nonfiction book relating to WWII, in addition to the scriptures, which he loved and cherished.
In July 1946, at the age of 18, Jack entered the United States Navy. Early in his service, he placed first on an examination among a large group of servicemen, earning the opportunity to choose his specialty. During his two years of service, he advanced from Seamen First Class into electrical training and attained the rating of Electrician’s Mate Third Class.

Following his Navy service, Jack prepared for missionary service for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He entered the Spanish-American Mission in August 1948 to serve in New Mexico. He learned to speak Spanish in the mission field. He returned home from the mission field on April 26, 1951, and continued speaking Spanish with others throughout his life.

On October 29, 1955, Jack married Janet Helean Remund. Together they had five children: Lisa E., Susan D., Mark J., Andrea J., and Janeen D. Janet passed away from cancer on May 5, 1977, in Panorama City, Los Angeles, California. In the years that followed, Jack eventually began a new chapter in his life.
Jack met Georgina L. Arnold, née Howard, affectionately known as “Georgie”, in 1981. After a sweet courtship, they married on June 5, 1982, in Tarzana, Los Angeles, California. For more than forty-four years, they were devoted companions and sweethearts, and best friends. Jack, through his fun and precious personality, helped create a legacy of what love looks like, for their children: The delight of being a family, learning to laugh, and the treasure of creating many happy memories and treasured adventures.

He was determined to advance in his profession. Jack attended night school and became a certified electrician. His lengthy career with the City of Los Angeles included work associated with the Department of Water and Power and City Hall. During the final five years of his career, he worked for the Los Angeles Department of Airports at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), supervising work related to airport electrical and airfield lighting systems.

Jack participated in the Boy Scouts and enjoyed fishing, golfing, photography, woodworking, and having adventures outdoors. He loved Christmas and the picking out of the tree and relished bringing it home and putting the lights on. He would admire the smallest pinecones and acorns during the fall months, shared in carving pumpkins with daughters and grandchildren, and treasured the beauty of the holidays. He always had a spirit of enthusiasm for nature.

He belonged to a woodworking club and appreciated the satisfaction of making things with his hands. John Wayne was his favorite actor, and Jack watched nearly every Western movie he could find. He was also an avid reader of Louis L’Amour novels and delighted in flowers, wildlife, and beautiful sunsets. He and Georgie especially enjoyed their many memorable trips to Bishop, California, where their first stop was Schatz Bakery. They always brought home wonderful breads and goodies to share with family and friends.

Jack loved his family. Playful, warm-hearted, and fun to be with, he brought laughter and joy to his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and stepdaughters, Leslie A., Karen C., and Susan L. He also served faithfully in Church callings, including as a ministering brother and high priests group leader. He had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ and The Book of Mormon.

Jack and Georgie moved to Utah in September 2020, and eventually made their home in the Daybreak Community of South Jordan, where he spent his final years surrounded by family, love, and their beloved grand-dog, Maddie.
Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 44 1/2 years, Georgina L. Malcolm, née Howard; his children, Lisa E. Sarnicola, née Malcolm, Mark J. Malcolm, Andrea J. Nielsen, née Malcolm, and Janeen D. Jacobs, née Malcolm; and his stepdaughters, Lesli A. Arnold, Karen C. Monzello, née Arnold, and Susan L. Cutler, née Arnold.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Janet Helean Remund; his daughter, Susan. D Mullally, née Malcolm; and his grandsons, Ryan Mullally (15), and Nicholas Mullally (12).
His surviving grandchildren are Philip J Apparis, Jason Bond, Daniel B. Monzello, Christeny G. Monzello, Chandler Dobson, Jocelyn Blades, née Dobson, Rachel L. Dobson, Regina G. Brower, née Sarnicola, Anthonia H. Olson, née Sarnicola, Sophia T. “Arlie” Sarnicola, Evan Jacobs, and Grant Jacobs.
His great-grandchildren include Timothy Monzello, Adeline Monzello, Kenneth J. Monzello, Rayne and Ronan Harward, Scarlett Kapp, Silas and Maddox Dobson, and Santino Olson.

Jack leaves a legacy of faith, service, humor, and enduring love for his family. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.
The family would like to thank CNS Hospice Care for their loving and caring service that the provided over the last 10 months of his life.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 2, 2026 at 10:00am at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary located at 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, Utah, 84095
A viewing will be held at the funeral home the evening before the funeral, on Sunday, November 1, 2026 from 6:00-8:00pm.
Interment will take place at Utah Veteran's Cemetery and Memorial Park, 17111 S. Camp Williams Rd., Bluffdale, Utah, 84065.