James (Jay) Hartwell Starkey

James (Jay) Hartwell Starkey

LAYTON a€" Jay Hartwell Starkey at age 92, passed away after living a full and rewarding life. He was welcomed with open arms by his Father in Heaven, his loving wife and all who has passed on before him on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 at the Davis Hospital and Medical Center.

He was born May 8, 1916 in Kerrville, Texas the son of Alonzo L. and Pattie Ruth Goodwin Starkey.

Jay married Mary Doreen Muir in Elko, NV. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Provo Temple. She preceded him in death on May 13, 1993.

He served in the U.S. Army during WWII and was a member of the Elks and American Legion.

Jay was an active member of the LDS Dixie Ward.

He was the Parks and Recreation Director for Layton City for 18 years. He was very influential in developing many parks and ball diamonds in Layton including the Layton Common Park. Jay had a great love for all of the youth of Layton City.

Jay will be missed by all who knew him. He left a legacy few can claim. He has left so many memories, that at times when reminiscing we could go on for hours. Jay had such a love of family that the very best times in his life were spent on hunting and fishing trips with the boys, taking long drives, playing games until the early hours of the morning, working in his wood shop and huge family reunions that were held in his home one weekend a year. The most wonderful thing about him was his ability to make you feel special. He always asked from the time you were a child, through the years how you were doing and really listened when you told him. It made you feel loved and knew that he cared. We have all been blessed for the years we have had, our hunting trips, family reunions, late night games and eating Hershey bars will never be the same, but the memories we all shared doing these things will always be with us.

Surviving are his three sons, Thomas (Jolene) Starkey, Layton; Jay (Janice) Starkey, Roy; Brad (Maxine) Starkey, Atkins, Virginia; daughter, Tamalee Draper, Layton; 29 grandchildren, 63 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by his parents, wife, two daughters, Marilyn and Rexeene, son-in-law, Ronald Draper, three brothers, Rankin, Curg, Horace and two sisters, Marion and Martha.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 17, 2009 at the Dixie Chapel, 789 Wasatch Drive, Layton. Friends and family may call Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist''s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road and Saturday from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. at the church.

Interment, Syracuse City Cemetery.