Jay Thomas Sheeley Sr.

Jay Thomas Sheeley Sr. was born in Olathe, Colorado on July 25, 1936, to Elmer Aubrey Sheeley and Catherine Allura Burns Sheeley. 

He lived a long and remarkable life before passing away due to complications from congestive heart failure on May 11, 2026, at the age of 89.

Jay will be remembered for his kindness, his sarcastic sense of humor, his crazy off-road adventures and his zest for the outdoors. He was a husband, a father, grandfather, great-grandfather and a friend to many. He stepped in when he did not have to and stayed because he wanted to.

He was always the first to help a friend in need and looked for opportunities to step up for others. He set an example for those around him while living his life to the fullest.

He served his country by joining the United States Marine Corp. and later became a volunteer firefighter, soon after he joined the county Search & Rescue Team. Wherever he went, Jay made new friends. He was always outgoing and had quick wit that could make anyone laugh. Time spent with him left you with a smile and you looked forward to seeing him again. He was loved by everyone who knew him.

Whether he had a wrench, a fishing pole, a camera, or a steering wheel in his hands, he was always doing something he loved. He was an exceptional auto mechanic whose skills and knowledge earned him a respected reputation. A display of his passion and dedication, Jay regularly worked long hours and had the ability to fix anything on two or four wheels.

Filled with a desire to explore, Jay spent countless hours riding along the back roads through both the forests and the desert. He collected several toys through the years including a VW dune buggy, multiple ATVs and various side-by-sides. Whenever he was home, he would be thinking about his next adventure or searching for it.

After moving to Montana in 1988, he started his own auto repair shop and discovered his love for hunting, fishing and exploring the outdoors. During his time there he became an avid hunter, even going on to hunt black bear with a cross bow (sounds crazy right). It was clear that Montana’s wilderness and wide-open spaces were where he truly felt at home.

Surviving Jay are his children (spouses) Jay Sheeley Jr. (Tracy), Joanne Toice (Butch), Eric Scovel (Michelle) and Craig Scovel. He was a grandfather to Todd, Nicole, Rachel, Garrett, Jay III and Jack, and great-grandfather to Aiden, Hailey, Chloe, Ava, Madelyn, Lennox and Kira. 

He was preceded in death by both his parents, his loving wife Jette Sheeley and his sister Catherine Prouty.

A private celebration of life ceremony will be held this summer at his Montana home to spread his ashes.