Jay Ernest DeGroot

Jay was born on August 1, 1960 in Pekin, IL, to Donald Gene and the late Patricia Knappenberger DeGroot. He graduated from Pekin High School (1979), Illinois State University, Normal, IL (1983) and Illinois Institute of Technology-Kent College of Law, Chicago, IL (1986). Jay was assistant to regional counsel, United States Department of Transportation/Urban Mass Transportation Administration until 1987. He then worked as associate with Lawrence W. Leck & Associates, LTD in Chicago,IL until 1992. He then became an associate with the Law Offices of Jeffery A. Garrety, PC, Jackson TN.

Jay enjoyed spending time with his sons, family and softball team mates. His interests include politics, fishing and gardening.

He was preceded in death by mother Patricia, his grandparents James and Leucille Knappenberger of Pekin, IL; and JH "Sam" and Ida DeGroot of Green Valley, IL.

Jay is survived by his sons, Mason and Max DeGroot of Chattanooga, TN; father, Don; brothers, Donnie (Phyllis) and Todd DeGroot (Tammy); nieces, Regan and Morgan; and nephews, Donnie and Elijah.

The family will receive friends and loved ones on Sunday, May 23, 2021 from 12:00 Noon-1:00 p.m. at Lambuth Memorial United Methodist Church, 160 Campbell St., Jackson. The memorial service will follow at 1:00 p.m. officiated by Dr. Gary Morse, Pastor of Lambuth Memorial.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer's Association.