Jay Steven Jones

Jay Jones, 64, of Fargo, died Thursday, December 24, 2015 at Essentia Hospital. Jay Steven Jones was born September 23, 1951 to Calvin Jones and Rene Melland. Jay and his sister, Jan, were born and raised in Kenmare, ND. Jay graduated high school in 1969 and was a proud Kenmare Honker and has been referred to as “The pride of Kenmare”.

Jay voluntarily joined the military at 17 years of age and served from 1969-1971 in the United States Army. He served in Vietnam as a Field/Combat Medic and received many awards; among them were the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. Jay was known to give out nicknames to those who he cared about, and during his time in the military he received one of his own, Doc Jones.

After recovering from injuries sustained during Vietnam, Jay came back to the United States and worked at the VA Hospital in Fargo, continuing his mission to the country and military veterans. Jay also worked at the United States Postal Service, in which his goal was to become a postal carrier. Jay loved being outdoors working and interacting with people.

In April, 1975, Jay’s life would change forever due to a devastating motorcycle accident that left him disabled and partially paralyzed.

Jay married the love of his life, Cheryl Wettels, on 10/14/78. Cheryl and Jay would have three children; Shannon, Sarah and Seth.

Jay moved into Villa Maria Healthcare in 1988 and resided there until the time of his death.
Jay was a proud member of the VFW, American Legion and Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Before the accident, Jay loved to hunt, fish, camp, ski, and anything that would have him outdoors keeping him active. He was passionate about new adventures and was always on the go.

Jay loved spending time with his family, going on road trips back to his hometown of Kenmare, and connecting with family and friends. He loved coming home to his family and playing with his children, lounging with the family dog, Tami, spending time outdoors on the deck, and his favorite of all – spending time with his wife.

Jay would later become a proud grandfather to his one and only grandchild, Carmen.

He will always be remembered for how much he loved to laugh.

Jay is survived by his wife, Cheryl Jones, Moorhead, MN; children, Shannon Preston, Sarah Jones-Albrecht and Seth Jones; grandchild, Carmen Albrecht; mother, Rene Melland; sister, Jan (Dave) Jones Hooson; in-laws, Jerry (Darlene) Wettels, Jim (Karen) Wettels, Russ (Cindy) Wettels, and Barb (Keith) Gilbertson; twelve nieces and nephews and eleven cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, Cal Jones.

The family would like to give special thanks to Wally and Betty Grund, for all their prayers, support and faith, the Villa Maria staff, fellow veterans, family and friends.