Jeadie W. "Jay" Massey Jr., 81, of Brush, Colorado, passed away on June 12, 2026, in Brush.
Jay was born on December 20, 1944, in Brush, Colorado, to Jeadie W. Massey Sr. and Mae (Dickson) Massey. He was raised by his father and his stepmother, Leora Troyer Massey, who loved him as her own and was, in every way that mattered, the mother who brought him up. Jay graduated from Brush High School in 1962 and, that same year, joined the United States Marine Corps alongside two lifelong friends, Henry Ring and Dale Garrett — the trio known affectionately as "the 3 Amigos."
On October 7, 1964, Jay married the love of his life, Betty Hoxworth, in Hawaii.
Jay earned his bachelor's degree in education from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. In 1973 he moved to Oregon for work, where he was reunited with his birth mother, Mae, and his 1/2 siblings. It was in Oregon that Jay began the teaching career that would become his life's calling, at Scio High School, where he was later honored with an invitation to deliver the commencement address to the graduating class.
He returned to Colorado in 1976. Over the years Jay turned his hand to many trades — working the oil fields, in construction, helping build the smoke stack at the Pawnee power plant, and earning his stripes as a journeyman insulator — but his true passion was always teaching. He taught in high schools and a correctional facility, substituted in schools between Brush and Fort Morgan, and finally settled at Lincoln High School in Fort Morgan, where he taught until his retirement. He was the kind of teacher you don't forget.
Jay had a soft spot for animals of every kind, sharing his home with many beloved pets over the years — from his faithful best friend "Buddy" the Dog to his adopted donkey, named "Donkey." He enjoyed many hobbies, loved to travel, and above all treasured the time he spent with his family.
He was preceded in death by his father, Jeadie Massey Sr.; his birth mother, Mae Dickson; his stepmother, Leora Massey; his brothers Rush and Terry; his sisters Sharon Kay, Laura, and Harriette; and his beloved grandson, Korbin.
Jay is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Betty; his brother, Brian of Brush; his daughter, Shawnette Massey; his son, Brooks (Cindy) Massey; his grandchildren, Sydne (Bradley), Kyler (Janessa), and Kevin (Raelene); and his great-grandchildren, Beckham, Blakely, Lukas, Sawyer, Emberly, Charlotte, Adler, and Barrett. Jay is also survived by his brothers Claude, Bob, Tim, and Brian from Oregon, and his sisters Evelyn and Rosie.

A graveside service will be held at the Brush Memorial Cemetery Columbarium Chapel, Thursday June 25, 2026 at 10:00 AM. There will be a luncheon provided at 12:00 PM at the Moose Lodge in Brush.