James J. Gay

James J. Gay, 78, of Palmer, NE died Friday, August 26, 2016, at Golden Living Park Place in Grand Island.

Services will be at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery at Palmer.

There will be no visitation. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the services Wednesday at the funeral home.

James Junior Gay was born January 30, 1938, at St. Paul, NE to Evertt P. and Edna (Nielsen) Gay. He grew up and received his education in St. Paul.

He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1955 to 1959 obtaining the rank of Airman 2nd Class.

James married Mary A. Hartford on March 17, 1956, at St. Paul. They made their home in St. Paul then in Grand Island, and for the last 40 plus years in Palmer, NE.

He worked as a truck driver for S & C Motor for 25 years, retiring in 2000.

James is survived by his wife, Mary Gay of Palmer; three sons and daughters-in-law, Ron and Margi Gay of Lincoln, NE, Rick and Peg Gay of Onawa, IA, Terry and Brenda Gay of Havelock, NC; three daughters and sons-in-law, Sandy and John Killion of Doniphan, NE, Barb and Mike Christensen of Palmer, NE and Lori and Joel Frickey of Kearney, NE; one daughter-in-law, Rogene Gay of Hastings, NE; 21 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Jim Gay, one grandson, and two great-grandchildren.

Memorials are suggested to the family.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.apfelfuneralhome.com