James (Jimmie) Alton Jay was born July 10, 1930, in Waco, Texas. He married Mary Joyce Hulke January 12, 1951. They moved to Abilene in 1956 where they raised their six children. He is preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, their daughter, Josalin Lee Jay Reinitz of Lubbock TX, his parents, Alton and Magdeline (Maggie) Jay Pruden. Jimmie is survived by 6 children; John Alton of Avon IN, James Paul (Shari) of Longview, TX, David (Denise) Wayne of Las Vegas NV, Mary Dianne Jay Fossett of Paducah, KY, and Christopher Michael (Traci) of Grapevine, TX., 23 grandchildren, 49 great children, and 9 great-great grandchildren. Jimmie passed peacefully Friday, November 3, 2023. He graduated from Waco High School in May 1947 and Four C Business College, Waco Texas in 1948. He served 28 years in the Texas National Guard, HHC 143rd Infantry, MSG E-8. He worked as general traffic manager for Merchant Fast Motor Lines from 1955 to 1992. He joined the Knights of Columbus where he served as Grand Knight and became a 4th Degree Knight. Jimmie had a very philanthropic heart as he served many communities throughout his life: a member of the Abilene Jaycees, Annual fund raising chairman for the Boy Scouts, President of Sacred Heart Pastoral Council, financial secretary for the Knights for 10 years and awarded Knight of the Year in 1980, member of the Faithful Navigators, director and treasurer for the Columbus Club, blood donor to Abilene Blood Bank with over 13 gallons given, treasurer for Texas Livestock Investment Club, the Texas Tickers Investment Club, as well as the 111th Engineer Association, volunteered for Dyess Pharmacy, Meals on Wheels, and as a Tax Consultant for AARP for over 20 years Jimmie served his church family at Holy Family Catholic Church as usher, Eucharistic Minister, & money counter. Funeral Services will be held Monday, November 13, 2023, at 9:00 am at Holy Family Catholic Church located at 5410 Buffalo Gap Rd. in Abilene, with burial to follow with full military honors at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery. Family will receive friends Sunday from 5:00 to 7:00 with a Rosary at 7pm in the North's Funeral Home Chapel located at 242 Orange St.