James Lay

James Lay, 71, passed away Wednesday (March 22, 2017) at his rural Greentop, Missouri, home.

The son of Clifford and Carolyn (Saxbury) Lay he was born April 10, 1945. He grew up on a farm west of Greentop and was active in 4-H as a youth.   James attended the Davis Elementary School and graduated from the Greentop High School with the class of 1963.

Due to his love of cars he attended Mechanic School in Kansas City, Missouri. Then began his mechanic career at Peterson’s Chevrolet in Greentop, Missouri.

James was united in marriage to Clara Marie Jones in 1966 and to this marriage one daughter, Deborah Kay was born.

He joined the Army National Guard in 1965, completing his basic training at Fort Ord, California. He served in the Guard until his honorable discharge.

Jim lived with his family in Elgin, Illinois, for many years and made a nice living as a master mechanic working for Chrysler Motors. He worked in the field of mechanics for over fifty years.

In 1986 he moved to rural Greentop where he did farming and some mechanics.

He is survived by his daughter Deborah Kay Lay Warren of McHenry, Illinois, a grandson Dale Warren IV, two sisters Cathy Lay of Edina and Marilyn Hunziker of Hurdland. He is also survived by two nephews Addison and Hayden Hunziker, a niece Gracie Hunziker and numerous cousins and friends.

James was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and one nephew Kalon Hunziker.

He was a member of the New Harmony Baptist Church.

He loved fishing, hunting, every aspect of the outdoors, and visiting with his neighbors.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday (March 29, 2017) in the Dooley Funeral Home with Pastor Sonny Smyser officiating. Burial will be in New Harmony Cemetery. Military rites will be conducted by Schuyler County American Legion Post 784.

Pallbearers will be Kyle Buckallew, Greg Klokkenga, Dale Warren, Leonard Green, Addison Hunziker, and Hayden Hunziker.

Visitation will be Tuesday (March 28, 2017) after 12:00 noon with the family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Dooley Funeral Home, Queen City, MO 63561.