James R. Jay, age 72, went home to be with his Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ on July 11, 2011. All who knew James would describe him as a loving, generous, devoted, and exceedingly selfless man of God. He was a servant to all those who encountered him. He particularly devoted his love, time, and talents to his families, friends, and church homes. James was born in Elk City, OK and raised in Merritt, OK. He attended Sayre Jr. College and went on to receive his Bachelors degree in Chemistry from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, OK. He was an analytical Chemist for Kerr McGee Corporation for 33 years. He was an active member at St. Johns United Methodist Church, St Marks United Methodist Church, and most recently Quail Springs Baptist Church. He had a particular love for gardening and landscaping. Each summer, he provided everyone he knew with his famous tomatoes. He took pride in his own lawn, landscaping, and roses and cared for others lawns as his own while running his own landscaping business. James had an incredible work ethic and others were recipients of his kind heart and deeds. James married Louise on August 20, 1960 in Elk City, OK. Married for 36 years, James and Louise were blessed with two daughters, Paula and Jennifer. James devoted his life to his children. He was an active father, playing and coaching basketball and softball and a great role model for selfless devotion. James and Louise made their home in Bethany, OK, but had a sincere love for Elk City, OK where both their parents resided. Louise lost a courageous battle with cancer in early 1997. On September 22, 1998, James and Gwen Sheid were married. Both being widowed, finding one another was a blessing to each of them. They enjoyed their grandchildren, friends, traveling, and OU sports. Married for 12 years, James couldnt have anticipated that, in Gwen, he found an undying care-giver prior to and during his very difficult days with Alzheimers. Gwens family embraced him as a father and pa-pa. James will be best remembered, simply, as the kindest man anyone could ever meet. His actions and deeds spoke louder than, but were supported by, his words and amazing heart of gold. James was preceded in death by his: first wife Louise Jay; parents Clyde and Edith Jay; nephew Randy Logan; brother-in-law Lewis Ray Lowrance; and niece Lou Ann Webb. James is survived by his grateful family: daughter Paula Chavez (Dan) and their children Connor, Carly, and Coleman; daughter Jennifer Jay; sister Delvenia Lowrance; brother and sister-in-law Bill and Valeria Jay; wife Gwen of the home and her daughters Sue Lyn (Trey) and their children Tyler, Justin, and Treyce; JoAnn (Paul) and their children William and Sydney; Charla (Allen) and their children Grace, Elise, Charleigh, and Alex; many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Special thanks to Autumn Bridge Hospice and Bellevue Nursing Center for their consistent love and care. Services will be Thursday, July 14, 10:00am at Quail Springs Baptist Church with interment in Bethany Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation/Alzheimers, 825 N.E. 13th St. OKC, OK 73104 are accepted. To share a memory or condolence, visit www.mercer-adams.com