Jay Leslie Willmore

Jay Leslie Willmore, 79, of Prescott Valley, Arizona, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 5, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with multiple health challenges, including heart failure and cancer.
Jay was born on November 30, 1945, in Rexburg, Idaho, to Fawn Hendricks Willmore and James Leslie ("Les") Willmore. He was the only son and the third of four children, growing up with his sisters, Lola Jeppson (married to the late Peter Jeppson), Lois Siepert, and Joyce Bell, who preceded him in death in 2017. Joyce’s husband, Dick Bell, survives her.
Jay married twice during his life. From his first marriage, he had two children: Wendi Willmore Forrey, married to Brett Forrey, and their son, Andrew; and Burkley Willmore, whose children are Whitni Willmore Synakiewicz (married to Nic Synakiewicz, with sons Hudson and Holden), Katee Willmore (with daughter Nova), and Ava Willmore.
In 1974, Jay married Jeri Ann Green, his steadfast partner and greatest love. Their whirlwind romance began on September 29, 1974, and they were married just three weeks later on October 19. Together, they had one daughter, Kelli Willmore.
Jay cherished his time with his children, finding joy in their unique paths and the memories they shared. He enjoyed fishing trips with his son, Burkley, who followed him into the car business, and he took pride in Wendi’s over three-decade career in education, where she worked as a teacher, consultant, and principal, creating supportive environments for all students to thrive. Jay also appreciated the special moments he shared with Kelli during her career in professional motorsports, including attending the 100th running of the Indy 500 and experiencing her behind-the-scenes world. While not a traditionally hands-on grandfather, Jay valued the connection and joy his grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought to the family.
Jay’s professional life was shaped by his passion for the automotive industry. After graduating from Madison High School in 1964 and briefly attending Ricks College, he discovered his talent for the car business. He worked at Taylor Chevrolet and Erickson Pontiac GMC, where he excelled in sales management. Following the Teton Dam disaster in 1976, Jay and his father made numerous trips to Michigan, transporting 99 trucks back to Rexburg in just a few months. These trucks provided much-needed vehicles to farmers and locals who had lost everything.
Inspired by his success in car sales, Jay and Jeri pursued their entrepreneurial dreams, founding a manufacturing business that produced automotive aftermarket accessories. They worked tirelessly to grow their company while embracing a life filled with meaningful experiences. Jay especially cherished the Italian cruise he and Jeri enjoyed with friends, as well as their trips to Alaska, Mexico, and Canada’s Northwest Territories. These adventures highlighted his love for travel and the outdoors.
Though Jay initially struggled to see the value in taking time away from work for travel and experiences, his perspective shifted after becoming ill shortly after retirement. He grew deeply grateful for Jeri’s determination to prioritize creating memories, even during their busiest years building a business. Reflecting on those moments, Jay often shared the lesson that life’s opportunities should never be put off, because tomorrow is never guaranteed.
In his later years, Jay found immense comfort and joy in his Labradoodle, Gus. Welcoming Gus as a puppy brought Jay renewed energy and purpose during difficult times. Gus’s unconditional love and companionship gave Jay strength and hope, helping him through his health battles. Even now, Gus remains a loving reminder of Jay’s enduring spirit.
Jay grew up spending summers on the family’s dry farm in Clementsville, Idaho, where he developed a strong work ethic and a love for storytelling. He often recounted vivid memories of life on the farm, including being lowered into the cistern each spring to scrub its walls clean in preparation for the planting season. Jay’s father, Les, also paid him for every pair of rockchuck ears he collected, as the pests were a constant nuisance on the farm. Jay loved his time on the tractor, often sneaking off early to fish in Milk Creek, a favorite spot near the dry farm.
Among his favorite tales was the story of an orphaned bear cub that wandered onto the farm in search of food. After briefly caring for the cub, the family sent it to the Tautphaus Park Zoo in Idaho Falls.
Jay developed a strong aversion to mice after his experiences cleaning the grain elevators, where they would often run over him as he worked. That childhood fear stayed with him throughout his life and became part of the stories he would share about growing up on the farm.
These experiences shaped Jay’s character, instilling values of hard work, resilience, and a knack for storytelling that he carried throughout his life. He loved sharing these stories with family and friends, leaving them with laughter and a glimpse into his colorful past.
Though not active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jay believed in its teachings and core values. He respected the faith and wished for his final service to reflect these beliefs.
Jay is survived by his wife of 50 years, Jeri Ann Willmore; his children: Wendi Forrey (Brett), Burkley Willmore, and Kelli Willmore (Ricky); his grandchildren: Andrew Forrey, Whitni Synakiewicz (Nic) and their sons Hudson and Holden, Katee Willmore and her daughter Nova, and Ava Willmore. He is also survived by his sisters, Lola Jeppson and Lois Siepert, and Joyce’s husband, Dick Bell.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fawn Hendricks Willmore and James Leslie Willmore; his sister, Joyce Bell; and his brother-in-law, Peter Jeppson.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, January 13, 2025, at the Fourth Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 166 South 1st East, Rexburg, ID 83440. A visitation will be held at the church beginning at 10:30 a.m., with the service to follow at 11:30 a.m. Following the service, interment will take place at the Rexburg Cemetery.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the care teams at Mayo Clinic, Yavapai Regional Medical Center, Home Instead, and the many healthcare specialists who supported Jay throughout his illnesses.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mayo Clinic, Yavapai Regional Medical Center Foundation, LDS Church Missionary Fund, or a charity of your choice in Jay’s honor.
Jay will be remembered for his resilience, his humor, and his unwavering love for his family and friends. His legacy of living fully, working hard, and cherishing life’s moments will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

https://my.gather.app/remember/jay-willmore