James Jay

James L. Jim Jay ABILENE- James L. Jim Jay, 91, died Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013 at a local hospital. Graveside services with military honors will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2013 at Rose Hill Cemetery in Merkel, directed by Starbuck Funeral Home. A celebration of life service will follow at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2013 at First Central Presbyterian Church in Abilene. James was born June 17, 1922 in Ballinger to Grace (Lankford) and Edgar F. Jay. He graduated from Sweetwater High School and from Texas Tech University with a bachelor of business degree where he was also a football letterman. He married Joyce Harrell April 3, 1942 in Tyler and she preceded him in death Sept. 5, 1989. He married Dorma Shelton Bradshaw April 7, 1990 in Farmers Branch and she died Oct. 10, 2002. Jim was a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps having served during World War II and stayed in the Marine reserves until 1958. He was a farmer and rancher most of his life raising cattle and goats. Jim had been secretary/treasurer and an elder of the First Central Presbyterian Church in Abilene. He had also been on the board of the Jones County Livestock Producers and Sun Water Supply and secretary/treasurer of the Noodle Community Center. Survivors include three sons, James Jay, Jr. and wife Mary of Burleson, Doug Jay and wife Jacci of Denver, Colo., and Paul Jay and wife Vicki of Midland; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; two wives; and sister, Mary Grace Craig. Memorials may be made to First Central Presbyterian Church, 400 Orange, Abilene, TX 79601. You may view and sign the online guestbook at www.starbuckfuneralhome.com.