Jay Michael Bucy

Jay Michael Bucy, 79, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2025, just one year and one day after his wife of 29 years, Barb, took her leave. While his business acumen was sharp as a tack, it seems his timing was even sharper: we like to think Barb got there first to get everything organized and ready, ensuring the condo was decorated just right and a crisp vodka tonic was poured, waiting for his arrival.

Jay learned the value of hard work early on. Born in Wisconsin, he spent his childhood on a dairy farm, riding in his mother’s lap as she drove the tractor to the feed mill in town to grind grain for the cows. As he grew, he took the wheel himself, driving the tractor while his mother loaded hay, working until the field was clean. With the promise of new opportunities, the family packed up their brand-new Chevrolet and 37-foot trailer, heading to Novato, CA, where they spent a decade soaking up the beaches, the zoo, and a newfound penchant for roller skating. In 1964, they made the move to Murray, KY, where they put down roots on their very own farm.

Entrepreneurial from a young age, his first attempt at striking out on his own with a tobacco harvest was tragically (and somewhat comically) interrupted when the barn burned down. In hindsight, this fiery mishap turned out to be a blessing in disguise, setting off a chain of events that ultimately led him to build Louisville Tractor into the highly successful business he ran for over 40 years.

After decades of hard work and strategic decision-making, Jay retired 10 years ago to Florida with Barb, where they spent their golden years enjoying the sun, playing golf, traveling, and spending time with friends.

Jay wasn’t just a businessman — he was a generous and loyal friend, always willing to lend a hand or share a laugh. He spent his final year at The Legacy at English Station, where the staff treated him with the utmost care. A special thanks to Kisha, who became like family to him, always making sure he was well-dressed, and his hair was just so — because anyone who knew Jay knew that his hair was one of his proudest features.

Jay leaves behind a legacy of a man who lived with passion and an unshakable belief that success was a combination of hard work, timing, and a tiny bit of luck. He had a lifelong love for boating, was an impressive slalom skier, and the best boat captain we knew. Now, reunited with Barb, we can only imagine that the two of them are already planning their next adventure — and we suspect it may involve a sunset, a perfectly mixed cocktail, and a lot of laughter.

Rest in peace, Jay. You built something great, and you’ll be deeply missed.

He is survived by his brother, Dale Bucy (Marsha); his children, Stacey English (Ryan) and Caroline Smith; his stepchildren, Kimberly Carrico (Terry) and Danny Cooley (Lisa); his grandchildren, Jack Kerby (Justine), Kate Kerby, Logan English, Parker Smith, Olive Smith, Landon Carrico, Carson Carrico, Brooke Brammer (Cody) and Bryce Cooley (Chelsie); great grandchildren, Slade Brammer and Hudson Cooley.

Funeral service will be 4 PM Friday, January 24, 2025 in the chapel of Arch L. Heady and Son Westport Village, 7410 Westport Rd., Louisville KY. Visitations will be Thursday, January 23, 2025 from 3-6 PM and Friday, January 24, 2025 from 2-4 PM.