MADISON - John Patrick Jay, age 83, of Madison, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, at home. He was born on Aug. 8, 1940, in Rapid City, S.D., the son of Lloyd and Virginia (Tucker) Jay.

John graduated from Rapid City High School in 1958 and served in the U.S. Army. He married the love of his life, Ruth Ann Hoesley, and lived in La Crosse until 1974 when they moved to Madison. John worked at Gateway Transportation and C.W. Transport where he was awarded for safe driving and traveling over one million miles throughout his career. In 1989 he purchased Expert Auto Glass which he owned until 1993, then he and Ruth Ann purchased Packer Liquor which they owned until his retirement in 2002.

John raced motorcycles in his younger years and was a member of the Black Hills Cycle Club. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, mowing the grass and was an avid Badgers football and basketball fan. He took great pride in his three grandchildren and loved spending time with them and their weekly phone calls.

John is survived by his son, Steven (Lynnette) Jay; daughter, Stacey Larson; three grandchildren, Danielle (Adam) Goetz, Christine (Chris) High and Jack Larson; great-granddaughter, Natalie Grace Goetz; brother, Dennis (Jeanie) Jay; sisters, Donna Klinger and Caren (Jim) Davis; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Ann Jay; parents, Lloyd and Virginia; brother, Kenny; and sister, Betty Rougier.

John will be fondly remembered by his family and friends as a loving husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, proud patriot and U.S. Army veteran. He will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the family, c/o Stacey Larson. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

He never looked for praises

He was never one to boast

He just went on working

For the ones he loved the most.

His dreams were seldom spoken

His wants were very few

And most of the time his worries

Went unspoken too.

He was there…A firm foundation

Through all our storms of life

A sturdy hand to hold on to

In times of stress and strife.

A true friend we could turn to

When times were good or bad

One of our greatest blessings

The man we called Dad.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

John P. Jay

August 08, 1940 - February 07, 2024

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