Randy Jay

Randall (Randy) William Jay passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2020, after a courageous 21-month battle with esophageal cancer. He took his last breath in his home surrounded by his Albuquerque family.

Randy was born May 29, 1960. An Iowa boy, he was born in Greenfield and raised in Creston. After college, he moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to pursue a career in electrical engineering. It was there he met Lizzi Chavez, and after three short weeks, he asked her to be his wife. They shared 32 wonderful years of marriage.

One of his career highlights was the opportunity to work in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. Randy was a lifelong Iowa Hawkeye and an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. One of his favorite past times was sharing his love of baseball with his sons, and one of his greatest accomplishments was competing in the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Dublin, Ireland, where as a unified partner, he and his Special Olympics athlete won the gold medal in golf.

Randy also never let us forget that he held his high school high jump record for many years.

Randy led a full and meaningful life. He loved to hunt, fish, swim with his grandchildren and spend hours maintaining the beautiful backyard he built. He loved his country and possessed a deep respect for the red, white and blue. Randy was a storyteller known for talking as much with his hands as he did with his voice.

His children will tell you they were privileged to call him Dad. He taught by example — how to be kind to everyone, how to be a gentleman, and never to judge or speak harshly of another. Randy gave to life far more than he took.

Randy is preceded in death by grandparents Clare and Elsie Jay, Dwight and Irene Kirkpatrick and his mother-in-law, Leticia Chavez.  He is survived by his wife Lizzi; three beautiful children: Becki (Aaron), Dustin (Kirsten), and Billy (Deidra); and four grandchildren: Marley, Ryan, Lily, and Maddox. Randy is also survived by his parents, Bill and Lois Jay of Creston; siblings Denny (Troy) Jay and Barb (Dan) Ide; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and many friends.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, there will be a private family service.  As restrictions are lifted, the family will host a celebration of his life both in Albuquerque and Creston. Please continue to check this link for future arrangements. In honor and memory of Randy, donations can be made to Special Olympics New Mexico (www.sonm.org).