Jay Bybee

JAY BYBEE Jay Sherman Bybee, 84, of Henderson, passed away Jan. 20, 2010. He was born Aug. 2, 1925, in Roy, Utah, to Sherman and Virginia Bybee. He was the oldest of four children and is survived by brothers, Ray Bybee of Brigham City, Utah, and Garry Bybee of Nyssa, Ore.; and sister, Colleen Froerer of Nyssa. Jay is also survived by his wife, Donella Bybee. They were married Sept. 9, 1947, and together, celebrated 62 years of marriage. Jay and Donella had two daughters, Pamela Bybee and Tamara Bybee-McGowan, of Henderson, who cherished their father. Jay was proudest of all of his two grandchildren, Cullen and Courtney McGowan, also of Henderson. In high school, Jay participated in every sport, including baseball, football, wrestling, boxing, track and basketball. After graduation from high school, Jay joined the U.S. Army and served in World War II, fighting in the Philippines and Japan. In addition to his infantry division, he was selected to run track for the Army. Jay was granted the Army Occupation Medal (Japan), Philippine Liberation Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, the Asia/Pacific Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the Victory Medal. After returning from the war, he worked with his father running Bybee Farms in Nyssa. Jay continued to own and operate Bybee Farms and also Fiesta Farms until he retired and moved to Henderson in 1993. Jay was a member of the Elks Lodge and on the Board of Trustees for a number of years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, which took him traveling to Alaska, Mexico, and all over the west. Each year Jay took his daughters and grandkids on an annual pheasant hunting trip to Nyssa. They hunted and shared fun times with his dearly loved brother, Garry and family. Jay enjoyed traveling with his beautiful wife, Donella, throughout Asia, Mexico, Columbia, and the U.S. He especially loved his recent trips to McCall, Idaho, every summer with his wife, daughters and grandkids. He enjoyed fishing, hiking, taking drives, boating and relaxing in the beauty of the Idaho wilderness. After moving to Henderson, his passion became his grandchildren and watching them in their many athletic and creative endeavors. He cheered his grandson, Cullen, on to see him win three state baseball championships with Bishop Gorman High School. In December, he watched his granddaughter, Courtney, perform as Peter Pan in the Bishop Gorman production. He was their greatest fan. Jay taught his daughters and grandkids how to fix things, play baseball, hunt, fish and many of life's important and difficult lessons. He was a great mentor to many and generous to a fault. Jay was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend whom was loved and cherished. He will be missed by all who had the honor to know him. Visitation will be from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, with services following, both at Palm Mortuary, 7600 S. Eastern Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89123. Interment will follow in Palm Valley View Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the family for a memorial bench in his honor.