Jay Roundhouse

On the morning of opening day of firearm deer season, Jay Nelson Roundhouse arose to face one of the happiest days of his life. He had crossed off his last item on his "Honey-Do" list, played his last solitaire game, drank his last cup of coffee and headed out into the woods with his long-time hunting partner, Doug Waite, to "bring home that elusive buck!". He passed away in the woods and went home to be with Jesus at 87 years old.

Jay was the son of Jacob C. and Nellie (Decker) Roundhouse, the brother of Marie Gloria Baker and John Decker Roundhouse. Jay attended Western Michigan University, where he met Sandra Louise Phillips. The couple married on July 1, 1961, in Kalamazoo, Michigan; they were married for 64 years. Jay and Sandy were blessed with two children, Harold Jay Roundhouse and Jaynell Louise Roundhouse, and later blessed again with three grandchildren, Benjamin Alexander, Arin Louise, and Thomas Michael. He was a true friend, mentor, and second father-like figure to three men who were important in his life: Doug and Tim Waite, and Cash Olson. Jay was a loyal, protective, and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He inspired his family as a role model-living and loving each and every day.

Jay attended Richland High School and graduated with his high school diploma. He went on to further his education at Western Michigan University and participated in the ROTC program. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree and was commissioned a second lieutenant upon graduation. During his tenure at Western Michigan, he belonged to the Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) fraternity, played on the football team, and furthered his love of the sport. His love for the game and his natural athletic ability earned him a draft pick with the Baltimore (now Indianapolis) Colts. He declined the opportunity to play professional sports to complete his military obligation to serve in the United States Army. He was stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. He attained the rank of Captain, serving a combined total of 10 years.

Upon returning to civilian life, he began his professional career wearing many hats, serving in several positions that allowed him to climb the ladder to his success. Jay established himself as a trout producer, operating in Kalamazoo, Harrison, and Manton for 30 years. He strongly believed in equality for all property owners and was an independent landlord and builder for the community. He was instrumental in starting the Colfax-Greenwood Township Fire Department and First Responders in 1978, for over 50 years, and remained one of the last few living founding members. He served as the Colfax Township Supervisor and Assessor, and many years he later became the Assessor and Director for the Wexford County Equalization Department (1985 to 2002). He spent the remaining years of his career working for Great Lakes Assessing (2013 to 2023) which was his third and final retirement.

His hobbies and spare time activities included, being outside hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, golfing with friends, and camping with family. He enjoyed serving as a "Santa" helper for many years. Jay was incredibly talented with Excel, was a self taught computer whiz, and was a mapping expert. Jay's love and desire to serve the Lord and those around him, was demonstrated through his volunteer activities at Rollins Christian Fellowship Church. He was proud of his faith and spreading the word. Above all, Jay cherished the time spent with his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Jay is survived by his loving wife, Sandra Louise Roundhouse of Manton; children, Harold Jay Roundhouse of Grand Rapids and Jaynell Louise Roundhouse of Grand Haven; Doug Waite of Linden, Tim Waite of Traverse City, and Cash Olson of Cadillac; grandchildren, Benjamin Alexander Hogan of North Muskegon, Arin Louise Hogan of North Muskegon, and Thomas Michael Hogan of North Muskegon; several nieces and nephews; and many other loving family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob C. and Nellie (Decker) Roundhouse; brother, John Decker Roundhouse; and sister, Marie Gloria Baker.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Hall-Holdship Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation held one hour prior also at the funeral home with Rev. Matt Coyne to preside. Inurnment will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, Michigan on December 2, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be directed to Rollins Church or the Colfax-Greenwood Fire Department Auxiliary.

Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.Hall-Holdship.com.

The family is being served by Hall-Holdship Funeral Home.