Jules S. Dreyfous
March 25, 1918 - March 3, 2011
Jules S. Dreyfous died quickly and quietly on March 3rd after a sudden and unexpected stroke. It was a peaceful passing, surrounded by family. He lived a robust life and would have turned 93 years old this March 25th. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1918 to Emmanuel Dreyfous and Marie Tobias, Jules grew up in New Orleans, and Memphis but he called Salt Lake City home. An avid fisherman, geologist, and birdwatcher, Jules loved the western skies, waters and wildflowers. He delighted in the simple things in life — a powder day at Alta, a July drive to marvel at the Albion Basin wildflowers, the return of the Western Tanager, a hand packed tuna lunch on a riverbed, a ripe Green river melon, freshly picked raspberries and the first ear of summer corn.
Jules was an active businessman and community leader. In addition to running a family department store, The Paris Company, he was one of the original investors of the Alta Corporation, a founder of the Utah Nature Conservancy, and YMCA Camp Rogers and a board member of the Utah Museum of Natural History, The Hogle Zoo, Tracy Aviary, and Utah Historical Society. A passionate advocate of Main Street, he was The President of the Downtown Merchants Association, and an active member of the Utah Chamber of Commerce. He also proudly represented Salt Lake and the United States on several Federal trade missions, including the first behind the Iron Curtain after World War II.
He graduated from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in 1938. He was an enthusiastic member of the College Glee Club, loved big band music and was a Golden Glove heavyweight boxing champion. In 1941 he enlisted in the Army/Air Force and served in the Pacific for three years. There he earned a bronze star and the rank of Captain for his service. He never talked much about the war, but often said it was his ranch in Pinedale, WY that helped him recover from what he saw there. He spent many happy hours on the Salt Lake Country Club greens golfing and kibitzing with friends at the Alta Club. He loved a good game of cribbage, bridge and backgammon. He collected jokes, western paraphernalia, history books, coins, coupons and magazines. Often described as a bear of a man, (half Teddy, half Grizzly) he had a booming voice, a belly laugh and ferocious appetite for life and learning. In the latter part of his life it was fishing trips to Pinedale and camping trips to the west desert that gave him a sense of peace, place and wonder.
He is survived by his wife Margaret Chase Dreyfous, his sister Sylvia Dreyfous Lieberman and three children Susan Dreyfous Farbman (husband Max Farbman), James Chase Dreyfous (wife Geralyn Dreyfous) and John Ewing Dreyfous. He leaves six grandchildren and two great grandchildren who knew him as Poppy and numerous nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews who called him "Uncle Brother". He will be missed and remembered by many.
In the final months of his life he was blessed by the attentive and loving care of Visiting Angels, Millcreek Home Care and Hospice and the extraordinary staff at Sunrise Senior Living. A viewing will be held at Starks Funeral Parlor 3651 S. 900 E. from 6pm-8pm on Friday March 11th. A graveside service will be held on Saturday March 12th at 11 am at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Utah Nature Conservancy and the YMCA Camp Rogers.
In Loving Memory
My thoughts are with you at this time of loss. I worked with Jules for many year in reguards to the Salt Lake County Greenbelt Department. Visited his property many times where he was always very helpful and pleasant. He is a huge loss to the community. Susan
Susan Yoshinaga
Salt Lake City, Ut
Dear Peggy, You two had a long wonderful life together. Just know that I am thinking of you and your family at this time--no matter how sick he was it is never easy to say goodbye. Marian
Marian Dunn
Salt Lake CIty, UT
I worked with Mr D at The Paris Co. I was fresh out of a year of college and started in the toy dept. at Christmas and stayed on full time. When I left I was working the switchboard. He was always kind and I have a lot of memories of phone calls from him when I was working the late nights. Always fun. I remember him and Mr Baldwin fondly. My deepest condolences.
Angela Waagen
Salt Lake City, UT
Dear Members of the Dreyfous family, I knew Jules from the time I first moved to Salt Lake some 50 years ago. He was able, straightforward and plain fun. When I was interested in buying a ranch in Wyoming, he generously shared his experience and well grounded advice. I know you will miss him; so will his friends and this community. My Sympathy and Warmest Regards, Dan Berman
Daniel Berman
Salt LAke, UT
Dear Peg, Susan, Jim and extended family: On behalf of all of us at Millcreek Home Health and Hospice I would like to extend my sincerest condolences for your great loss. May your memories of a life so well lived and your faith carry you through your grief. We were honored to have a part in the care of Jules and to have gotten to know this grand man a bit in his final months. Please know we are here for anything you may need in the months ahead.
Chaplain John Crepeau
Millcreek, UT
The family of Jules is extremely generous, warm and fun! We thank the Dreyfous clan for all they have done for us and for the community! We highly respect and are grateful for the life of Jules which continues to benefit all of us in Utah-and beyond!
Marcie and Russ Collett
Salt Lake City, UT
Dear Peggy and Family, I think of you all more than you know. The Dreyfous family has touched my heart in many ways. Love and condolences go out to you all. Love, Nadra, Sage and Alia
Nadra Haffar
Hyrum, Ut
To Peggy, Susan and Max, Jim and Geralyn, and the rest of the Dreyfous clan: I opened the paper this morning and saw that glorious big bear of a man smiling right at me! That is exactly how I remember seeing him oh so many years ago--cap, glasses and a wonderful smile. He always called me "Tilly" to tease me. His obituary says it all! He was always interesting and interested, and could hold an audience of friends captive with his stories. I loved that man!
Susan Tillman
Salt Lake City, UT
I am truly sorry for your loss. I pray the sure hope as found in the bible will bring comfort to your hearts. "The hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear the voice of Christ and come out." (John 5:28,29 ACts 24:15) Yes, you will see your loved ones again because Christ will journey there to awaken them from sleep. (John 11:1,11-14,43,44) And the life to be enjoyed when this takes place is almost to wonderful to contemplate. (Revelation 21:3,4 Psalms 37:11,29)
Ty
S.A., Tx
Dear Den Mother (Peggy), your family has always been so special, Jim my friend, you my den mother and Jules the "enabler". He enabled the Boy Scouts of Troop 531 a very special trip to Wyoming on the Green River past the Cora Store. He and a few volunteers took us "city kids" to a trip of a lifetime which I will always cherish and remember with the fondest of memories. He was larger than life and fun to be with. My childhood memories are filled with his (and yours) generosity, love and support when it is needed most. Sincerest wishes. Maury Mortensen
Maury Mortensen
Cathedral City, Ca
My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. I will always remember the wonderful time that I had growing up next door to all of you. Jules had a great impact on my young life, sharing with me his love of horses, his kindness and his extreme generosity. He will be deeply missed.
JoAnn Ronne Hanson
Salt Lake City, UT
Dear Jim and Geralyn, our heartfelt condolences on your dad's loss. He seemed larger than life and his loss is undoubtedly great to you personally and to the community. May you have the strength to bear this.
Ashok and Uma Khandkar
Salt Lake City, UT
Mr. Dreyfous gave me my first job. I was 16 and still in high school. Among other administrative duties, I was fortunate to work in the executive office on Saturdays answering his phone. That was over 40 years ago, and I still remember his thundering gait, his booming voice, and his warm smile...exactly the one in the paper. I feel lucky to have known him. He inspired a little Salt Lake girl for a lifetime.
Valoree (Erickson) Dowell
Salt Lake City, Ut
The photo in the newspaper obituary was wonderful. It's just like I remember him. We have some that are similar when Jules and my father, Wellington McDonald went on adventures together. Jules gave me a job at the Paris Co. too, but I remember him best for the fun he shared with my parents. We send our condolences to you. Blair McDonald and Kam McDonald Capik
Kam McDonald Capik
Highland, UT
Hey, good to find someone who argees with me. GMTA.
Carly
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Waklnig in the presence of giants here. Cool thinking all around!
Janisa
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our mother 'Louise Reymann' shared in her personal history a few experiences employed as Mr. Dreyfous' personnel manager during the 40's. 'Here is a Man!' his kindness, anonymity, and generosity knew no bounds. God bless his memory for those who knew him! i hope to some day....
richardbrinton
saltlakecity, ut