Jay Lewis, 64

Jay Brill Lewis, 64, passed away on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, in Sagle, Idaho.

Jay was born on August 20, 1962, to Leon and Claire Lewis in Sandpoint, Idaho. He has two sisters, Leisa and Susie.

Jay had an adventurous spirit leading to many grand adventures in life. He was a good athlete with a very quick mind and restless nature. Jay was well known for his ski racing days at Schweitzer. He graduated from Sandpoint High School in 1981 with a group of friends who are still close.

He had a brief academic sojourn at the University of Idaho, living in Whitman Hall with those Sandpoint buddies, before deciding his curiosity was better served by real life experiences. Jay and those pals experimented with life in various places, including Los Angeles, New Orleans and Boise, but he would always return to his true home, Sandpoint. To his friends, he was known as MacGyver, a top-notch dart thrower, pool player, bowler, horseshoe tosser, water skier and mechanical bull rider!

Jay loved his family above all else, he was very proud of his son, Bryce, and adored his three grandchildren with a fourth arriving in December. They called him Papa Jay and lit a room with squeals whenever Jay entered.

Jay had three special women in his life offering friendship and support — his grandmother Bernice, Becky Lucas (Bryce’s mother) and Lynne Duperault, who spent years offering affection and concern. He was also blessed with his lifelong friendship with the Kelly family.

Jay was well known for not being able to sit still long. So, you had to be fast with your visits because if there was not work involved, he was not interested in sticking around. Always a smile on his face, he liked to see people laugh and always wanted to be helpful. He would do anything for a total stranger, including giving the shirt off of his back.

Jay had a talent for fixing anything. He worked for DSS Construction for a number of years and enjoyed the experiences of helping people with their property. He found an ideal connection with Bruce and Heather at Talus Rock. They became family to him and it worked both ways.

Jay loved fireworks, his speed boats and motorcycles. He was so happy pulling his grandkids for hours. He had just purchased a big roadster bike and had started planning some traveling to visit family and friends.

Jay was preceded in death by his father, Leon. He is survived by his son, Bryce (Savannah); and his grandchildren, Charlotte, Theodore, Adeline, and a boy expected in December; his mother, Claire; and sisters, Leisa (Don) and Susie (Steve); nephew, Steven; and nieces, Teresa and Rachel; Bryce’s brothers, Nick (Ashley) and Jett; and numerous cousins.

Jay would not have wanted us to be sad, so please remember him fondly as we navigate life without our son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle and great friend. If you wish to make a donation in Jay’s honor, please think of Bridge Haven (Bernice’s Big Blue Haven) because we all need a home.

A celebration of Jay’s life will be held at Talus Rock, 291 Syringa Heights Road, Sandpoint, on Sunday, October 4, from 2 to 5 p.m.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Jay’s online memorial at lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.