James "Jay" Edward Curtis Jones, Sr.,65, was born May 31, 1955 in Kansas City, MO to parents James Matthew and Snowdie Jean Jones. He was the oldest of eight children. He was preceded in death by both parents, three siblings; John, JoAnn, David and his only son James "Lil Jay" Edward Curtis Jones, Jr.

Jay was educated in the Kansas City Missouri Public School District, graduating from Central High School in 1973. After graduating from high school, he served in the United States National Guard for several years receiving a honorable discharge. During his young adult life, he met and married Andrea Anderson (Copeland). To this union one child was born, his only daughter, Jennifer. Later in life he married Felicia Smith. To this union a son was born, James "Lil Jay." In March 2006, Jay met Keisha Merritt. They married on October 13, 2012.

Jay worked for several companies including Apria Healthcare as a driver before retiring after being placed on medical leave at the age of fifty-five.

Jay accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at a early age. He attended and was baptized at Emmanuel Baptist Church and later joined Landmark Baptist Church both in Kansas City, MO. For the past ten years Jay along with his wife, Keisha, has served faithfully at Seed of Faith International (SOFI) in Raytown, MO under the leadership of Pastors Herman and Myra Scales. As his ministry evolved, he became an Ordained Deacon in 2014. He was an Armor bearer to Pastor Scales, sang in the Men's Choir, Director of the CD Duplication Dept., one of the church cooks, Director of Custodial Care, Lawn Care Assistant and Greeter. He found joy in serving and being a blessing to the kingdom of God and God's people.

Jay will be remembered best for his infectious laughter, his love for cooking, music, and most of all two-step dancing. He was an exceptional athlete, loved to play baseball and softball for many years both in Kansas and Missouri. One of the greatest gifts God bestowed upon Jay was his ability to accept people for who they were and his ability to forgive. Jay was a hard worker and a fun-loving person. His non-confrontational personality allowed him to possess a wisdom that was always demonstrated by love. His kindness and strength will always be a trademark of his character. Jay truly treasured life.

Jay transitioned to eternal life with God on Tuesday July 7, 2020 at CenterPoint Medical Center in Independence, MO.

Jay leaves behind to cherish his precious memories; his loving and devoted wife, Keisha Jones, daughter Jennifer Jones, bonus children Kenneshia Michaels, Kenon and Kierra McClendon, sisters Madeline (Tommy) Jones-Miniefee, Storm Jackson, Monaco Jones, brother Rev. Dr. Ernest Jones, mother-in-law Sandra Watson, brothers-in-law Michael (Angela) Merritt of Memphis, TN, William Brown and Michael Butler both of Chicago, IL, grandsons James Greer, Jr., Amir Isaac and Amari Montgomery, granddaughter Imani Isaac, his fur baby (dog) "Rocky," a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, friends too numerous to name and his beloved Seed of Faith International Church Family.

Funeral services will be on Saturday, July 25, at 2:00pm at the Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Burial XII Gates Memorial Cemetery. Visitation 1:00pm-2:00pm at the chapel. Services conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Condolences may be shared on our website. Due to the COVID 19 Pandemic and the City ordinance guest attending are required to wear mask.