Jay Edwin Ketchum

June 16, 1956

November 11, 2011

A forth-generation Port Angeles resident, Jay Edwin Ketchum was born June 16, 1956, to the late Elizabeth (Betty) and Edwin Ketchum. Raised in Agnew and Port Angeles, Jay spent summers with his family at their Lake Crescent cabin. Many years too early, Jay left this world to be with our Lord on November 11, 2011.

After attending schools in Sequim, Port Angeles and Joyce, Jay began working in the logging industry at age 15. A few years later, Jay enlisted and served in the US Navy, after which he received a honorable discharge. Upon his return home, Jay returned to his earlier career, logging on both the Olympic Peninsula and in Alaska. In the early 1980's Jay began his career as a businessman, owning and operating several businesses to include Olympic Diver's, Brocklesby's, Affordable Roofing, Affordable Cranes and Affordable Services.

On May 26, 1979, Jay married Jane Simpson in North Bend, Wash. During their early years, they resided in Forks, and eventually moved back to Port Angeles, and then to the Sequim area. Together they raised their daughter Jennifer Ketchum-Ames, who was instrumental in helping her parent’s successful business endeavors.

Jay attended Independent Bible Church. He loved water sports and model trains which he shared with his grandson, and took his granddaughter with him wherever he went. He loved playing with his grandchildren, always making time for them when they would visit.

Jay was well-known in the community for his hard-work ethic and political affiliations; he touched the lives of many people with his generosity.

He will forever be remembered by loving wife Jane; daughter Jennifer and son-in-law Dennis, and his two beautiful grandchildren Aspen and Hunter, all of Athol, Idaho; his brother Gene Ketchum and sister Stephanie Hilt of Port Angeles, and sister Sarah Jill Schaeffer of Kingston, Wash., along with countless other friends and family whom were blessed to know him.

But when all is said and done he would tell you, that none of this matters. The only thing that truly matters is your relationship with Jesus, and to be ready for when he calls you home.

Friends and family are invited to attend a Celebration of Life on Monday, November 28, 2011, at 1:00 p.m. at Independent Bible Church, 116 East Ahlver's Road, Port Angeles.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests all donations be sent to ChildFund International, 2821 Emerywood Parkway, Richmond, VA 23294, or www.childfund.org/gifts

Arrangements under the direction of Harper Ridgeview Funeral Chapel, Port Angeles, WA.