Jay Hartley

Loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle passed away December 31st at McLaren Bay Region Medical Center. Age 92 years. Jay was born on May 5, 1925 in Flint Michigan and grew up in Kawkawlin with his mother and step father, Jenny and Ralph Carlson and lived in Bay City until his death. On July 1, 1949 he married the love of his life Mary Ann Vennix. He was predeceased by his wife of 50 years and their son Thomas. Left behind to cherish his memory are their children, Linda (David) Mance, Carol (Dave) Jankowski, JB (Dawn) Hartley, James (Tammy) Hartley, Mike (Patricia) Hartley, Gene Hartley, Mary Kay (Howard) Eagle, Pat Hartley and Carrie Korte and her companion David. He also leaves 18 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great granddaughter, sisters Sarah (Jim) LeVasseur, Shirley (Gene) Huskins, Brenda Christian and sister-in-law Kathe (Jay) Hamilton and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his companion Laurie Connelly.
Jay served in World War II on the island of Iwo Jima in the South Pacific. He worked as a truck driver for Jennison Hardware and owned a sign painting business. He was an avid bowler until he was 91 bowling on several leagues and competing and taking a first place in the Senior Olympics. He also loved playing the violin and banjo which he took up earlier in life and pursued the banjo further during his retirement years. He also enjoyed taking adventures behind the wheel driving all over Michigan. Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated Friday, January 5, 2018 at 10:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Peace Parish - St. Mary's Church, (607 E South Union, Bay City, Michigan 48706) The celebrant will be Rev Fr. Patrick M. Jankowiak with the Rite of Committal following at St. Patrick's Cemetery. Friends may visit the family at the Gephart Funeral Home, 201 W Midland Street, Bay City, Michigan on Thursday, January 4,, 2018 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. The vigil for the deceased will take place at the funeral home on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Hartley will be taken to the church on Friday to lie in state from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the mass. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial contribution to the wishes of the family. For online condolences www.GephartFuneral Home.com