Jay Ivan Shoop, 86, passed away at his home in Kalispell on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2006.

Jay was born Oct. 9, 1919, in Salem, S.D., to Ainsworth and Mertha Tyler Shoop. He was raised on a rural farm near Salem.

Jay married Gladys Deckert in December 1943 in Oklahoma.

He attended an automotive engine repair school in Chicago.

Jay enlisted in the Army Air Corps, where he attended flight school. He was a member of the Flying Sergeants during World War II, where he flew numerous missions over New Guinea. He was battlefield commissioned and received his Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, and his Air Medal.

After the war, they moved to Montana where he owned and operated Shoop Motors for more than 40 years before retiring. After he retired he enjoyed helping to build homes with a very dear friend in the Flathead Valley.

Jay loved flying, playing golf, fishing, cars, chocolate milk shakes, and turkey dinners.

He and Gladys were longtime members of the Epworth United Methodist Church.

Jay was a past member of the Evergreen Water board, and was a huge supporter of getting the Flathead Valley Community College started.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ainsworth and Mertha Shoop; and one sister, Myrtle Elliot.

He is survived by his wife, Gladys, of Kalispell; very dear friends, Clarke and Carol Fontaine, Ron and Cindy Rassmunsen, and Marvin and Glenda Northcutt; and numerous dear in-laws, and cousins.

Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 4, at Epworth United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Dave Merkel officiating. A luncheon will be after the services at the church; urn burial will take place at 1 p.m. at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery, with the United Veterans of the Flathead Valley.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.