James Donald McGregor

James Donald McGregor was born in Logan, Utah to Charles Perry and Constance Thatcher McGregor. He was the second of four children which included older brother Robert and younger sisters Lee and Jean.

Don spent his formative years on the family farm in Thatcher, Idaho, and attended school in Grace, Idaho. He attended Utah State Agricultural College (now U.S.U.), where he served as both Sophomore and Junior Class president. He graduated in 1952 with a degree in Engineering.

Don served in the U.S. Army from '52 to '61, serving one of those years in France. He married his sweetheart and eternal companion, Beverly Joyce Barkle, on February 20, 1953, in the Logan Temple.

Don and Joyce lived in Logan while raising their family. Don worked at Thiokol (now ATK) for 32 years. He was a gifted Engineer and had half a dozen patents for use in NASA's space shuttles, resulting in his receiving the coveted Silver Snoopy award and presented to him by NASA's astronauts. He retired in 1989, and he and Joyce moved to St. George. Don was an active member of the LDS church. He had a great singing voice and could be heard above all others singing hymns.

He loved collecting guns and pocket watches and passed these passions on to his son, Dart. With his three sons, he loved hunting and fishing. They did some memorable trips to the Wind Rivers in Wyoming.

Don was very proud of his Scottish heritage and was learned in his clan history. He loved to tell stories and had numerous colorful expressions. Grandkids would be haunted by his tales of "Kid Killer Indian" and would learn to refer to a tasty dish as "larrapin". If he bestowed upon you a nickname you could be sure you would carry that name for your entire life... just ask Doce, Dredge, Wartski, Dande-Bum and Bird (Joyce, Gregg, Dart, Dande and Jodi).

Don is survived by his five children: Gregg (Connie), Dart (Wendy), Dande, Jodi (Michael) Folston, and Tia (Todd) Astle. He and Joyce were very "hands-on" grandparents of 10 and lived long enough to know 16 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his bride Joyce, his three siblings, and his parents. Don loved his family more than all else.

We will be celebrating his life privately, but for those who loved him we will be making a musical slideshow of his life and will share on social media and by email upon request.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff at Beehive Homes at Tonaquint and to Applegate Hospice.

Arrangements were made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary. 110 South Bluff Street, St. George, Utah 84770. 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to share memories on Don's digital memorial page at www.SpilsburyMortuary.com