Jay Sayles

To anyone who knew Jay Sayles, it was certain he could make them smile. A true jokester always with a trick up his sleeve, Jay's fun-loving and outgoing spirit could light up a room. A genuine friend, he had an open heart with whom others could confide about anything. Sadly missed, may his memory be one of happy times and times shared in love and friendship.

Born on Thursday, October 9, 1997 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Jay was the son of Samuel Sayles and Brenda Tucker. He joined his older sister, Darby, and later welcomed his younger brothers and sisters, Joseph, Daegan, and Danika. Jay's father is an engineer at Parker-HSD, and his mom, Brenda delivers newspapers for the Kalamazoo Gazette. Jay often assisted his mom with the route.

Jay often visited his grandparents, especially when he was younger, and always had a great time. He liked the lake where they lived, and spent much time boating and fishing while there. He also enjoyed visiting his paternal grandparents in Jackson. He was also heavily into BMX trick bikes for a time.

As a small child, Jay lived in Martin, Michigan before moving to Portage with his father when his parent's marriage ended. In time he returned to his mother's home in the Otsego and Plainwell area where he was currently a freshman at Plainwell Schools. Whether he was living with his mom or his dad, Jay shared a close relationship with both of them.

Jay liked sports and played football in school, but after a knee injury sidelined him for a while, he decided to no longer play. Even though he struggled in his French class, Jay excelled in his studies and had an impressive 4.0 GPA. He enjoyed school, his many friends there and the social atmosphere. Once someone became Jay's friend, they were always a friend. He was easy to get along with, and his humorous ways always livened up a group. With Jay's light hearted nature, he also possessed a strong bond with animals. They seemed to relax when in his company, and were drawn to his side. He especially loved his cat, Meap.

Playing Xbox with friends made for some good times with Jay. A few of his favorite games included Call of Duty and Mindcraft. When it came to music, he was into rock, rap and techno, and just about anything as long as it wasn't country. He tried his hand at song mixing on the computer, and was rather good at it, too. With his sixteenth birthday right around the corner, Jay was so looking forward to getting his driver's license. He was also looking forward to his welding class in Vo-Tech this next semester.

Jay was the type of guy who'd give you the shirt off his back if needed. He gave from the heart, and was never one for material things. He never asked for much, and never needed much to get by. Happy-go-lucky, Jay's easy going nature allowed him to just go with the flow, although he was particular about his clothes and the way he dressed. He could always be found either on his phone, iPad, or on the computer, which was pretty typical. And for a young guy like Jay, he absolutely loved to eat! Family likened him to a human garbage disposal, and his absolute favorites were beef stroganoff and his grandma's homemade bread.

In the depths of Jay's heart, there was a truly great kid and a sweetheart of a young man simply just paving his way in life. Jay has left us too soon, but the legacy he leaves is a lesson about living; completely and fully, with those we love and care about at our side. Although he will be deeply missed, may it be Jay's love and friendship that is remembered most, and the way he made us smile.

Jay Sayles, age 15, of Plainwell passed away on Sunday, March 11, 2013 at Borgess Hospital. Visit with his family and friends, and view his life story film on Friday, March 15 from 4-7 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell; 120 Woodhams St. (685-5881). A funeral will be held on Saturday, March 16, 11:00 AM at the Kalamazoo Valley Family Church; 2500 Vincent Ave. in Kalamazoo. Jay’s family includes his parents: Brenda Tucker and Sam Sayles; his siblings: Darby, Joseph, Daegan and Danika; his grandparents and many close friends. Please visit Jay’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read his life story, archive a memory or photo and sign his memory book online before coming to funeral home.