- CHAMPAIGN - Jay William Gossett Jr., 80, died peacefully in his sleep in the early morning of Thursday, June 15, 2023, in Champaign.
He was born Oct. 15, 1942, in Urbana to Jay William Gossett Sr. and Rubye (Osterdock) Gossett. They preceded him in death. Jay was the eldest of three.
Jay is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Donna Jean (Drollinger) Gossett; his daughter, Debbie (Dave Campbell) Gossett; his son, Jamie (Sara) Gossett; four incredible grandchildren, Shelby Campbell, Ryan Gossett, Tyler Campbell and Seth Gossett; and his precious fur baby, Molly, all of Champaign; and his baby sister, Kay (Jim) Barker of Urbana.
He was also preceded in death by his younger brother, Paul (Dick) Gossett.
Jay spent his youngest years in Tolono, moving to Champaign to graduate from Champaign High in 1960. He began his work career at New York Central Railroad in the office as a clerk/dispatcher. After 18 years, when Conrail took over, Jay decided to keep his family in Champaign and joined Illinois Power/Ameren in the meter department. After spending 26 years in various departments, Jay retired from Ameren in 2004.
Jay was a lifelong Elks member and was a member of the bowling league for several decades. He was involved in Scouting, both in his youth and as an adult leader, for many years. He enjoyed playing cards and reading books, mostly Westerns by Louis Lamour and thrilling "Mission Impossible"-type novels by Clive Cussler. He loved watching sports, especially his beloved Cardinals baseball team. He also entertained college and professional football and followed the Fighting Illini.
Jay liked to grill out and had perfected the Thanksgiving turkey on the grill along with a mean morning omelet.
Upon retirement, there was not a concert, graduation, recital, ceremony, play or sporting event for his grandchildren that you wouldn't find Jay in the front row, camcorder in hand, cheering encouragement. He was the best Grandpa. He cherished his time with his four grandkids, whether at one of their events or just around the house teaching and guiding them in life.
If Jay was not with the grandkids, most days you would find him at the "Estate," a park-like property adjacent to his home. Jay was an avid gardener and loved getting his hands messy in the dirt. Working outdoors, mowing, taking care of the trees, bushes and plants, working in the flower beds, or just piddling in the yard, there wasn't a day that went by that his work boots weren't sweaty and the knees on his jeans dirty. After a hard day's work in the yard, it was time for a fire in the homemade firepit and a cold beverage in hand. Beyond his family, the Estate was his pride and joy. Both Jay and Donna spent countless hours enjoying the outdoors and each other's company there.
Jay will be remembered for a life well lived as the quiet rudder of his family. He was an honest, hardworking man who loved to help people with his own style of problem solving. He had a calm demeanor of care and compassion for the world and an infinite pride for his family. He is deeply missed every day.
Please join Jay's family and friends to celebrate his wonderful life from 3 to 5 p.m. June 22 at the Champaign-Urbana Elks lodge in Savoy.
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1942 - 2023 (80 years)
