John “Jay” West, Jr., of Sardis, MS, passed away at age 62 surrounded by his family and close friends on March 7, 2017 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford.

Jay was a lifelong farmer and native of Sardis, Mississippi. He enjoyed watching movies and TV (particularly Westerns), in the company of his loved ones. He was always very passionate about his land and spent much of his time riding around surveying it while hoping to spot a deer or two. He was an active member of the Sardis United Methodist Church and above all else, he was a devoted and loving father.

Jay inspired everyone who met him with his positive outlook on life. It was this positivity that helped him to survive twenty years beyond his tragic car accident, despite all odds. His positivity, generosity and strength will be remembered and missed by anyone who had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with him.

He is survived by his mother Wrennie Veazey West, his two daughters Mary Blair West and Wrennie Elizabeth West and his three siblings Russel Garrett West, Vicki West Clark and William Quinn West. Jay was preceded in death by his father Joe West, and his grandparents “Elisie” and “Spec” Veazey of Senatobia and Mr. and Mrs. N.F. West of Sardis.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at 3pm in the Sardis United Methodist Church. Interment will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery in Sardis. Visitation will be held on Saturday, in the church, from 1pm until the service time at 3pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sardis United Methodist Church, 237 S. Main Street, Sardis, Mississippi 38666 or to the National Stem Cell Foundation, 462 S. Fourth St., Ste 1230, Louisville, Kentucky 40202

Ray-Nowell Funeral Home – Sardis Chapel is in charge of arrangements.