Jay K. Duley

Jay Kristopher Duley, "Kris", 58, of Lakeville, passed away on Friday, August 15, 2025, at his home.

He was born on September 29, 1966, in South Bend to Jay Keith and Patricia (Shamory) Duley.

Jay graduated from Clay High School in 1985 and spent his career working for the St. Joseph County Police Department, serving in the jail division, dispatch, transportation, road patrol, and courthouse division, retiring in October 2024. He was dedicated and committed to his community and to his family.

Jay's pride came with the birth of his daughters and later, his grandchildren. He loved and cared deeply for his family.

He was a member of Coachman's Auto Club and won many awards for his artistry painting cars, boats, and RV's.

A true outdoorsman, Jay was always busy with a new adventure of his own. Whether he was growing the best sweet corn, pumpkins, and blueberries on The 5-0 Farm, hunting and fishing with his buddies, or experimenting with new "secret" recipes in the kitchen, he found joy and purpose in the land and the experiences it brought. One of his greatest joys was taking his grandchildren for rides around the farm on the side-by-side, affectionately known as "Zoom-Zoom." He was fluent in bad jokes and of course, he never turned down a cold one with friends or family, always ready for a laugh and a good time. Jay loved his farm kitties and had silly names for each one of them. His loyal farm dogs, Trixxie and Johny, were never far from his side and held a special place in his heart.

Jay "Kris" is survived by his mother, Patricia Duley; his daughters, Jordan Duley, Taylor Duley, McKinzie (Nick) Eder, and Paiton (Jordan) Duley; as well as his grandchildren, Piper, Nola, Luca, Manning, Sadie, Nora, Beckett, Monroe, and Daniel. His siblings also survive: Jodi (David) Cervantes, Todd (Shannon) Duley, and Patti (Charlie) Lawson.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jay Keith, and maternal/paternal grandparents.

Visitation for Jay will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, August 22, 2025, at the Palmer Funeral Home inside the Palmer Community Complex, 601 N. Michigan St., Lakeville. Visitation will also be held from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the funeral home, with a funeral service beginning at 12 p.m. He will be interred at Southlawn Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions in Jay's honor, which may be directed to assist with his funeral expenses or to the Indiana Fallen Heroes Foundation, in direct support of the St. Joseph County Police.

Online condolences may be sent to the family via the Palmer Funeral Homes website at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.