Jay Harvey Burley

Jay Harvey Burley, 65, Mayville, died Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at Altru Hospital surrounded by family after a short battle with cancer.

Jay was born July 6, 1960 in Mayville, ND. He grew up on a farm outside of Blanchard, ND and graduated from Mayville-Portland High School in 1978. He married Sonia Nelson on March 28, 1987. Together, they had a son Justin in 1987.

From November 1978 to April 1980, he attended Area Vocational Technical Institute (AVTI) in East Grand Forks, MN majoring in mechanics. In the Spring of 1980, he began working for Evans’ Farm in Mayville amongst other ventures, including working with his father, Harvey, doing carpentry in the winters. He started working for S.R. Rosevold Farms in Fall of 2008, where he worked up until being diagnosed with cancer in August 2025. His creativity and ability to think outside the box when it came to welding and fabricating were invaluable skills.

Jay enjoyed spending time attending his grandchildren’s activities, holidays with family, and hanging out with friends. Quite often he could be found at Top Hat or the Garage shootin’ the breeze and listening to his favorite music. He also passed the time by shooting pool on the May-Port Pool League.

Jay is survived by his father, Harvey Burley, Mayville, ND; son, Justin (Kimmie) Burley and their children, Brynlee and Miles, Portland, ND; former spouse, Sonia Burley, Mayville, ND; and sisters, Dalene Burley, Fargo, ND; Danette (Cliff) Perkins, Colorado Springs, CO; Kim (Al) Terkhorn, Springfield, VA; and Jackie (Gary) Ness, Fargo, ND. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews along with their families.

Jay was preceded in death by his mother, Marilyn Burley.

Visitation: Will be one hour prior to the service at the Norseman Hall.

Celebration of Life Service: 1:00 PM Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at the Norseman Hall in Portland, ND. Please feel free to come in everyday clothes. Lunch will be served following the service at Norsemen Hall.

Burial: Will be in the Mayville Cemetery in Mayville, ND immediately following the service.