Arthur Henry Jay

Arthur Henry Jay, 85
It was 85 years ago that Arthur Henry Jay was born, the first of three sons to Archie and Alice Jay. The family lived in Warren when Art was born and when he was three years old, the family relocated to West Brookfield. His formative years were in West Brookfield, and he would always say, without hesitation and to his death that his best and most reflective years of his life were being raised in that close knit, rural community of West Brookfield, “my native town”.

Art attended Warren High School for two years and graduated from Tantasqua Regional in 1957. He enlisted with several other local youths in the Coast Guard in 1959 and his four-year enlistment was Atlantic Ocean based with both ocean station ship and land duties in Search & Rescue and Navigational Aid. Shortly after his military service ended, Art joined United Parcel Service as a delivery driver in West Springfield. He then moved onto a management position and transferred to UPS Hartford to complete a 33-year career, retiring in 1993.

Art returned to West Brookfield shortly before his UPS retirement and settled again in his “native town” for 18 years with his wife Elizabeth before moving to Brookfield where they have lived since. He quickly adopted Brookfield as his hometown and became active in government and civic activities. His enjoyment in supporting youth activities and promoting the best in both towns remained a passion throughout life. He always believed in giving back in gratitude for all he had received in life.

Other passions include old trucks, country music, traveling and meeting new folks. He loved learning people’s stories and never tired to asking questions. He was an active member of the Nutmeg Chapter of the American Truck Historical Society and belonged to several antique truck organizations, participating in shows throughout the Northeast with his 1948 Federal and 1952 Ford trucks.

He is survived by his dear wife Elizabeth (Betty) and her family, his children John Jay, Linda Houle, Kevin Jay, and Kathleen Jay in North Carolina, his brother George and wife Nancy, grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Art is predeceased by his brother Dean and parents, Alice and Archie Jay.

The family expresses deep heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Talal Bou-harb and his staff, the Brookhaven Hospice Team, and Sunshine Healthcare Services.
Calling Hours for Art will be held on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00PM in the Varnum Funeral Home, 43 East Main St., in West Brookfield. His Funeral Service will be held the following day, Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 11:00AM in the Brookfield Congregational Church, 8 Common Street in Brookfield. Everyone should meet directly at the church. Burial with Military Honors will be held in the Brookfield Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the Brookfield Congregational Church, PO Box 457, Brookfield, MA 01506.
An online tribute page is available at varnumfuneralhome.com