Jay's life began August 16, 1920 in Bald Knob, Arkansas.  He moved to Michigan as a young man. He then lived in Arizona and Arkansas for many years until returning to Michigan. Jay enjoyed working on cars, watching westerns, and NASCAR.  Jay was a talented man who worked many jobs over 50 years. Those included being a diesel mechanic, and heavy equipment operator. He served his country in the United States Army. He enlisted and served two years before they sent him home for being too young. Then, he was drafted and fought in World War II serving in Africa, Italy, France and Germany.

His greatest joy came in spending time with his loving family which includes: his loving companion of 46 years Bessie Allen; six children Robert (Margee) Latham of Coolidge, AZ, Judi Latham of Sodus, Roger (Linda) Latham of Allegan, Craig Latham of Pleasant Plains, AR, Dorothy Leas of Henderson, NV, and John (Dawn) Latham of Covert; two step-children Patsy (Willard) Durham of Bridgman and Joyce (Ted) Allen-Stepanek of Arkansas; 36 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; six great great grandchildren; three siblings Ellen Maxine Howley of Decatur, James Leo (Trudy) Latham of Covert, and Mary (Marlin) Voisard of South Haven; and many nieces and nephews.

Jay died Wednesday, December 7 2016 at Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph.  A daughter Donna Wolf, son Bruce Latham, a sister Bertha Emma Jean Ashley, a brother Richard Latham, and his parents Wiley and Bessie (Starnes) Latham precede Jay in death.

Funeral services will be celebrated Monday, December 12, at 12:00 PM with visitation prior from 11:00 to 12:00 at Bright Star Tabernacle Church, 5130 Old Pipestone Rd. Eau Claire. A luncheon will follow the funeral service. Procession will leave the church at 3:00 PM for burial in Fairview Memorial Cemetery in Watervliet. You are invited to leave a memory for Jay's family at hutchinsfuneral.com .