Jasper Azo "Jay" Gilkerson

Jasper "Jay" Azo Gilkerson

Jasper "Jay" Azo Gilkerson, 78, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, March 8, 2011.

Jay was born February 13, 1933, in Rockingham County, at the family home, the son of the late Jasper Norwood Gilkerson and Inez Hammer Gilkerson.

Surviving are two sisters, Inez Self of Grottoes, and Peggy Pifer of Harrisonburg; a special loved one, Teresa Lewis of Grottoes; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends.

A special thank you to Journey's Crossing nurses and staff in Elkton, Virginia, DuPont Community Credit Union in Waynesboro, and Weasies Kitchen of Waynesboro.

Mr. Gilkerson was a member of the Waynesboro United Methodist Church, serving as associate pastor and deacon.

Jay lived most of his life in the Waynesboro area. He graduated from Port Republic and enlisted with the United States Marine Corps. He served at Paris Island, South Carolina, for four years. Upon his honorable discharge, he was employed by DuPont of Waynesboro, from which he retired. During his employment, Jay attended numerous universities and earned several degrees pertinent to his career. After his retirement he became a self-employed contractor and worked for the National Boiler Association until his sickness prevented him from working.

Jay's lifelong passion was serving the Lord. He also took much pride in the work he performed and the people that he worked with. Jay was a giving person that touched many people's lives, some with only a word. Jay loved his family dearly and showed that every way he could. Jay was also passionate about travel, photography, architecture and collecting coins.

A funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, March 12, 2011, at Johnson Funeral Service in Grottoes, with Pastor Wayne Comer officiating. Burial will follow at Port Republic Cemetery.

The Gilkerson family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday, March 11, 2011, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association 1160 Pepsi Place, Suite 306 Charlottesville, VA 22901.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.johnsonfs.com.

Johnson Funeral Service in Grottoes is in charge of arrangements.


This obituary was originally published in the News Virginian.