Jay Charles Waltermire

Jay Waltermire, age 78, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at St. Luke's Hospital of Kansas City.
Jay was born April 19, 1945, on the family farm near Stark, Kansas. He was the fourth of four children born to Worth W. and Jessie (Johnson) Waltermire. Growing up on a farm between Erie and Chanute, Jay attended country grade schools, graduating from Erie High School in 1963. He then completed his education at Wichita Technical Institute in 1966.
On August 14, 1966, he married Rita Kay Ostrander in Chanute. They became the parents of two children, Stacy Jo, born in 1973, and Justin Scott, born in 1975.
As a young man Jay worked in the hay fields and oil fields. While going to school in Wichita, he also worked at Coleman. After completing his education, Jay began working at Sperry-Gyroscope in Wichita. He then went on to work as Chief Engineer for KLSI radio station in Salina, then Plant Superintendent for Berico Industries in Lane and Waverly, Kansas. In 1976, Jay started his own metal fabricating business, Jarit Industries, in the former Lane school building. After nearly 20 years, he expanded by opening a second location in 1994 in Garnett under the name Jarit Manufacturing, Inc. In 2012 Jay sold the business and retired.
Jay was baptized into Christ at the First Christian Church in Garnett. Jay was involved with the Boy Scouts of America for many years and served as a local scout leader. He also coached little league baseball for several years. He loved working with the youth and helping them to learn many life lessons along the way. He enjoyed shooting sporting clays, playing cards, and hunting.
Jay was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jack H. Waltermire, two sisters, Trula Finley, and Treva Mears, four brothers-in-law Don Mears, Jim Finley, Donald J. Lee and Duane Forbes; two nieces, Sherri Mears and Brenda Forbes.
Jay is survived by his wife of nearly 57 years, Rita, of the home; daughter, Stacy Gwin and husband, Greg of Garnett; son, Justin Waltermire and wife, Rachel of Chanute, Kansas; two granddaughters, Adrian Gwin and Emma Waltermire; grandson, Nathan Gwin; three sisters-in-law Judy Waltermire, Peggy Forbes, and Emily Guentert and husband, Richard; and many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Jay's Life will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, June 23, 2023 at the First Christian Church in Garnett. Jay's family will greet friends from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be held at a later date in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Chanute. Memorials in his name may be made to the Mem-Erie Historical Museum in Erie or the First Christian Church in Garnett and be left in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .
Watch Jay's Funeral Service here @ https://vimeo.com/event/3518987