Wayne Harold Jay

June 3, 1944 - March 7, 2022

Wayne Harold Jay, 77, of Essexville, our compassionate, funny, devoted, and most loving husband, father, grandfather, cousin, and loyal friend passed away on Monday, March 7, 2022 at McLaren Bay Region. Wayne was born in Bay City on June 3, 1944, the son of the late Harold and Marjorie (Meeks) Jay. He graduated from Bay City Central. After graduation, Wayne went on to courageously serve in the United States Air Force. Upon completion of active duty, he went to work for General Motors – Bay City Powertrain as a Machinist for 36 years. Wayne married the love of his life, Josephine (Stypa) Melcheck on April 25, 1992. Together, they shared nearly 30 years and countless memories. Wayne was a faithful member of Essexville Baptist Community Church. He volunteered his time and talents for Meal on Wheels. Wayne enjoyed playing cards, especially Cribbage, and was involved in Cribbage Tournaments with the Senior Olympics. He also loved cycling and antique hunting, especially for antique toys. Wayne lived fully every moment of his life until the very end, even getting his first tattoos at the age of 77, with plans for more. His memory will forever live on. To carry on his legacy, Wayne leaves his wife, Josephine; children, Mary Ann Jay (Andrea Guidi), Kevin (Chrstine) Jay, Dennis (Cheaza) Jay, Paul (Melissa) Larson, and Lisa Wagner (Michael Hercliff); grandchildren, Thomas Jay, Noah Jay, Brianna Boney, Coral Larson, Breck Larson, Brody Larson, Stephen Wagner, and Mitchell Wagner (Rebecca Maxwell); great-grandchildren, Sebastian and Elleanor, and his special cousin and caregiver, Ray (Kerri) Meeks. In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by his brother, Wendell Jay. Private arrangements have been entrusted to Skorupski Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 821 N. Pine Rd., between Ridge & Center. Interment will be in Floral Gardens Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Humane Society of Bay County. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family online at www.skorupskis.com.