Funeral services for William Jay, age 89 of Mobridge, will be Tuesday, September 25, 2012 at 10:30 AM at the United Congregational Church in Mobridge. Inurnment will be in the Greenwood Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge, SD. Prayer service will be Monday, September 24, 2012 at 7PM at United Congregational Church. William passed away Friday, September 21, 2012 at Mobridge Regional Hospital.

William Maynard Jay was born to Maynard Stewart and Lucille (Coutts) Jay on November 2, 1922 in Mobridge, SD. He attended Mobridge schools graduating in 1940. He attended S.D. State University at Brookings, SD and Michigan State at East Lansing Michigan where he studied architectural engineering, He was a World War II veteran, having served in the European Theatre of Operations for over three years.

On September 14, 1947 he married Betty Ochsner in Mobridge where they made their home. He worked for the Milwaukee Railroad for 10 years. In 1947 he became secretary and manger of the Moose Lodge retaining that position for seven years. He entered Real Estate in 1954 and in 1957 he founded Jays Abstract, Land and Title Company, later known at Jays Realty Company. He was instrumental in developing the Jay Kraft addition to Mobridge and the building of numerous homes and ten apartment houses. He remained active in Real Estate well beyond the normal retirement age and during this span of fifty years in Real Estate was successful in the sale of numerous residential and commercial sales in the Mobridge area. His pride and love of Mobridge throughout his life was unshakeable. He was actively involved in State, Community and Church affairs throughout his life. He served on the State Board of Equalization, the State Board of Realtors and the Industrial Development committee.

He was governor of the Moose Lodge and a life member. He served as President and Secretary of the Rotary International in Mobridge. He served as Deacon at the United Congregational Church and later served as a Trustee for 24 years. He was co-founder of the Church's Couples Club. He played baseball for many years and in later years enjoyed playing golf.

Bill is survived by his wife Betty, son Mark and his wife (Janet) of Rapid City, SD. daughter Brenda and her husband (Leon) Crowley of Mobridge, SD, 6 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Donald and grandchild Fredrico Santiaguel.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to the Mobridge Library Fund or the Mobridge Swimming Pool Fund.