- 1951-2007
Kenneth Thompson Jay was born March 17, 1951 to Oral and Betty Thompson in Brainerd, MN. He was adopted by his step father Ed Jay in 1958. Kenny grew up in the Staples-Motley area. He went to Sacred Heart Elementary school and graduated from Staples High School in 1969. Kenny was married to Vickie Cole in 1971. He attended Staples Vocational School for Heavy Equipment in 1973-74. Kenny worked in road construction and heavy equipment, including such projects as developing the ponds along Highway 210 on the estate just west of Brainerd, MN. In 1977 Kenny and his family spent some time in Mosses Lake, WA, then returned to Minnesota. Kenny drove semi truck hauling grain and also worked for Burlington Northern. In 1984 he spent some time working in Texas, returning back to Minnesota and working road construction. In 1992 he became disabled, living in Wadena, MN until 2004. He moved to Deer Creek, MN where he remained until his death. Kenny was an avid outdoorsman; trapping, fishing, hunting and harvesting wild rice. He enjoyed antiques, collectables, cooking, gambling, playing cribbage and other card games. After becoming disabled, Kenny developed his artistic abilities. He loved to paint, especially nature scenes, many of which have been featured in local art shows. He also took an interest in wildlife photography, with which he was in the process of developing a small business.
Kenny is survived by his son, Patrick Jay; siblings, Mike Thompson, Bill Jay, Becky (Gary) Nolan, Ed (Mary) Jay, Barb (Dan) Smon; 2 granddaughters; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Betty; brothers, Tommy and Tim.
