Jay Edward Holley

Jay E. Holley, 79, of Burlington, died at 10:35 PM Monday, July 12, 2021, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.

Born September 7, 1941, in Burlington, he was the son of Max and Louise (Sis) Quelle Holley. On November 27, 1965, he married Joyce Watson at the First Methodist Church in Burlington. 

He was a United States Navy veteran serving two years on the USS Franklin Roosevelt from 1959 - 1962. A picture of the ship he served on is featured on the front of the war memorial by the hospital. 

Jay was a police officer for the City of Burlington for 30 years. 

Jay was a member of the Sportsman Hunting Club and Ducks Unlimited. He was also a certified air plane pilot. Jay loved to talk and tell a good story, and always had many to share. Jay's second home was Jerry's Main Lunch; Jerry and Marge became like second parents and Dick and Tom were like brothers to him. They hunted, traveled and golfed together often. Jay was a big traveler, going to Canada to hunt and fish for several years. He also hunted in Colorado, Montana and Arkansas. He took several trips to Australia and once to Uruguay, with friends, to chase ducks and geese. Jay and Joyce spent several years taking Irene Anderson to Florida and spent several years at the Winegard Ranch in Colorado thanks to Randy. When they retired they spent 15 years in Palm Springs. Jay made many friends wherever he went and had many close friends from Canada to the UK. Over 40 years, they had a special friendship with Dennis and Dyan Dietzman and always enjoyed homemade ice cream on every birthday. He always treasured his friendship with Dick and Tom Garnjobst and their families as well. 

Survivors include his wife, Joyce; sister, Joanne Taeger; and brother-in-law, Ervin Taeger.

A private Graveside Committal Service for Mr. Holley was held last Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at Aspen Grove Cemetery with Dean Graber and George Rinker officiating.

Memorials have been established for the Jay Holley Scholarship for Law Enforcement at Southeastern Community College and the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah in memory of his beloved Sammy. 

Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.

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