Jay Nolan

Jay William Nolan, 59, entered eternal peace, on October 31, 2024. He passed on at his home surrounded by his loved ones. Jay was preceded in death by his father, Jim Nolan of Whitewater, Kansas, grandchildren, Alicia and CJ Norman, but leaves behind his mother, four siblings, wife, eight children, 27 grandchildren, three great grandchildren, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. 

Jay, the son of James “Jim” and Phyllis (Lindsay) Nolan, was born on April 24, 1965 in Wichita, Kansas, but many of his childhood summers were spent nearly everywhere else. Alongside his parents, two brothers, John “Nick” (of Whitewater, Kan.), Joel (of Olathe, Kan.), and two younger sisters, Janel (of Valley Center, Kan.) and Julie (of Whitewater, Kan.), Jay’s love for the outdoors and board games started during this time and continued through his life. 

After graduating from Remington High School (Whitewater, Kan.) in 1983, Jay joined the United States Army prior to becoming a first time father to daughter, Kristen Nolan. Over the next decade, Jay welcomed Jordan (Hillary) Nolan, Megan (Mike) Payton, and Zach (Marissa) Nolan.

Jay completed their nuclear family when he wed Hope (Townsend) on November 19, 2001, and whole-heartledly welcomed his four new daughters, Jennifer (Doug) Boudreau, Mishele (David), Norman, Tabitha Young, and Alaxandra (Britain) Lostlen. Together, was Jay’s favorite place to be, especially while fishing/camping at the Lake.

At his core, Jay was a craftsman and musician. It would be difficult to ever recall a time when Jay either wasn’t playing his harmonica or fabricating something. Jay’s career was split between aircraft (Raytheon and Spirit Aerosystem) and freight transportation, which took him all over the country. In the months leading to his passing Jay received the gift of salvation. He made the commitment to live the rest of his days “getting right with God”, so he could honor his father and mother and join his father in Heaven.

His light and joy will be missed, but his love and laughter will forever be in our hearts. Although, taken from us too soon, the time we have with Jay was everything. The family will be hosting a viewing Saturday, November 9, 2024 starting at 10:00 a.m. at Lamb Funeral Home in Whitewater, where the funeral service will proceed at 11:00 a.m. Jay will be laid to rest, with his dad, at Whitewater Cemetery. 

The family encourages all of Jay’s friends and family to sign his online guestbook and share your favorite memory of Jay at www.yazelmeglifh.com.  Memorials may also be directed to http://gofund.me/7a67f9ae