Lee Jay Dooley

Jay was born to parents Jean Louise Johnson and George Reid Dooley, on October 2, 1952 in Roanoke, Virginia, but spent most of his childhood and all his adult life living in Kansas City, Missouri. He is survived by his wife Rebecca, mother Jean Johnson and step-father Theron, son Brian Thomas and partner Lacy, son Morgan Dooley, daughter Sarah Meyer and husband Derek, step-son Peter Cropper and wife Molly, step-daughter Emily Cropper, step-daughter Amanda Cropper, step-son Josh Cropper and partner Bailey, as well as seven grandchildren. Jay was preceded in death by his sister Kim Townsend and father Reid Dooley.

Jay graduated Center High School in 1970 and joined the National Guard shortly thereafter. While serving in the National Guard, his decision to pursue a career in carpentry led him to complete a 4 year apprenticeship program, where he earned his title of Journeyman Carpenter with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. With over 40 years in the construction industry, it’s hard to look anywhere in Kansas City and not see a building Jay has touched in some way. From doing hard, physical work of a carpenter to running multi-million dollar projects as a Superintendent, Jay excelled at any task sent his way. His ability to solve problems on a job site with creativity and precision set him apart as a true craftsman and made him an invaluable resource.

When Jay wasn’t marking up a set of plans or tinkering with a home project, you could find him doing something fun and maybe a little dangerous. Whether it be taking the Harley for a cruise around Kansas City or out to Colorado, perfecting his tan on a beach in the Florida Keys, playing his bass guitar, or jumping out of an airplane, he loved an adventure.

Jay was also an extremely gifted musician who picked up the electric bass over 45 years ago. He had the talent of being able to play by ear; picking out the bassline to any song he heard and playing it back seamlessly. He spent countless nights with the guys in his bands, who became some of his best friends; practicing and playing all over Kansas City. His music and tendency to sing along to the radio with more bassline than lyrics will always be in our minds and hearts.

To describe Jay as someone who will be greatly missed is an understatement. He was an amazing man whose impact on our lives, though too brief, was deep. His family and friends are better for having known him.

The memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2020, at 2:30 p.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church. 12251 Antioch Rd, Overland Park, KS 66213. The family encourages people to make donations to the American Brain Foundation to further research of Dementia, Alzheimer’s and other neurological diseases in lieu of flowers. www.americanbrainfoundation.org