Jay Burns Obituary (1926 - 2025) - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Jay Ashley Burns was born on May 2, 1926, in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania and was called to his Heavenly home on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 9:44 AM, following a lengthy illness. He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Bessie Kelloway-Burns, and his stepmother, Emma Burns, along with his three siblings, Catherine, Sam, and Don. He is survived by his daughter, Mary Jacobs (Steve) of Colleyville, TX and his daughter Betty Neale (Keith) of Oklahoma City, OK. He is also survived by his granddaughter, Stephanie Finch (Andrew) of Surprise, Arizona and his great granddaughters, Zoe and Aria Finch. He is also survived by many nephews and nieces who were so dear to him, and he loved all the time he spent with the family. After completing high school in Beaver Falls, Jay served in the Army during World War II beginning August 21, 1944. His first assignment was as a medic on a Hospital Ship, and later when the war ended, he served on Transport Corps Ships bringing POW's back home from overseas. His last assignment was a 2 1/2 month voyage to Japan to transport and reunite families of enlisted servicemen. Upon his Honorable Discharge from service on January 26, 1947, Jay applied for college at Oklahoma University in Norman, Oklahoma. He was accepted and earned his bachelor's degree in 1951. Jay also met the love of his life, Genevieve, at the Student Union at OU the same year. They were married in 1953 and enjoyed a wonderful marriage for 61 years until her death on November 30, 2014. Jay worked as an environmental safety engineer for Gulf Oil (Chevron) for 40+ years. He enjoyed his family life and found his passion in gardening and landscape at the family home in Warr Acres, OK. Jay also was a dedicated volunteer with Integris Health and worked every Friday at the information desk in building D. He also worked with Genevieve on different volunteer projects for the Troy & Dollie Smith Wellness Center at Integris. He was a long-time member of St. Charles Borromeo in Oklahoma City and has made great memories and treasured friendships through the church. He was a fan of OU Football, and the Oklahoma City Thunder. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to all his caregivers at Apex Hospice, especially nurses Ashley, Seda, and Robbie along with his personal care aid Tyrone who all treated dad with such love and compassion. Also, a big thank you to St. Ann's Assisted Living Center caregiver and staff who welcomed dad to his new home with such warmth and kindness and provided such loving care. Visitation for Jay will be held on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, from 1:00 - 8:00 PM at Buchanan Funeral Service, 8712 N Council Rd. Oklahoma City, OK 73132. His Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM, on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 5024 N Grove Ave. Warr Acres, OK 73122.