James W. Gay, 78 died at 3:10 a.m. June 13, 2013, at Richland Manor Nursing Home, Bluffton. He was born Sept. 3, 1934 in Lima to the late William J. and Nellie (Hariff) Gay. 

On Nov. 10, 1956 he married Dorothy Lou Rice and she survives.

Mr. Gay retired from Bluffton Precast and then worked at Wal-Mart, Lima. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict.

Survivors also include a son James W. (Lorraine) Gay Jr. of Beaverdam; three daughters Jennifer (David) Deeds of Lima, Vera L. (Anthony) Vernell of Delaware, Ohio, Nancy Bagley of Beaverdam; 19 grandchildren; 38 grandchildren; one great great grandchild; two brothers Bill (Linda) Gay of Uma, Ariz., Walter Gay of Tucson, Ariz.; and two sisters Nellie Long of Wooster and Isabella (Daryl) Smith of Findlay.
A great grandchild preceded him in death.

Services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Bluffton. Pastor Sam Wireman officiating.  Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Lima where military rites will be performed. 

Visitation will be Monday from 2-4 & 6-8 pm at the funeral home. 
Memorial contributions may be made to Richland Manor Nursing Home.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles