Jay was born to John and Lana Fern Hollingshead DeWitt in Kanorado, KS on August 3, 1928. He was raised by Victor and Amy Hollingshead Pickrel in Kanorado, KS.
Jay was preceded in death by his wife Mary, brother Jim Pickrel, sister Mildred DeWitt Collins, and brothers Arthur, Francis, and Johnny.
He is survived by his daughter, Diane Cude; son, Charles DeWitt and his wife Brenda; grandchildren, Meghan Cude, Darren Cude, Sean DeWitt, Brian DeWitt, and Colin DeWitt; sisters, June Sellman, Myrle West, and Pearl Warren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
