Celebrating a life of service and adventure
Jay F. Williams died peacefully on October 5, 2024. Born in Duluth, MN on October 19, 1939, Jay was a swimmer, Eagle Scout and leader, history buff, model railroader, boater, teacher, friend. He attended Lawrence College in Wisconsin as an Air Force cadet, graduating summa cum laude in 1961, then stationed at Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio. Jay earned an MBA from Ohio State and continued working for the Dept of Defense as a civilian in Ohio, Colorado, and Washington, DC, retiring as Director of the Defense Finance & Accounting Service in 1994. After his retirement, Jay moved to Cave Creek, with his wife, Sandy, and her four children. He led jeep and mountain bike tours, exercising his gift for historic storytelling. He served on Cave Creek Town Council, Planning and Zoning, and Board of Adjustments. Jay and Sandy were instrumental in preserving Spur Cross Ranch. While Sandy served as Treasurer of the PAC, Jay was an advisor. He played his banjo outside Town Hall on that historic election day, encouraging citizens to vote for the tax to support the inter-governmental agreement, preserving the property as a conservation area for all to enjoy.
Serving as a Board Member of the Cave Creek Museum, and a longtime docent, Jay was affectionately known as Grandpa Jay, leading children’s tours. For years, he worked in his garage, building a detailed model of a Stamp Mill, which now resides in the History Wing of the Museum. Jay was a substitute teacher and tutor at Foothills Academy and Ventana School. He was also an avid reader and book reviewer.
Jay was a certified kayak instructor (Kayak Jay). He was given the title “Grandad of Lake Pleasant Paddlefest,” since he proposed the idea to Terry Gerber, Tonto National Forest Ranger. Terry, “Father of Lake Pleasant Paddlefest,” brought Jay’s vision to fruition in 2014. The event continues to this day.
Jay is survived by his wife Sandy, 3 children, 4 stepchildren, 4 grandchildren, 8 stepgrandchildren, and by one brother. Jay was predeceased by his parents, his first wife, and a brother. A full obituary is at hansenmortuary.com.
