Jay Seaney

Jay Seaney, a man of spirited intellect and quiet generosity, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2024, at his home in West York, IL, with his family by his side. Born on October 14, 1954, in Robinson, IL, his early years were filled with cheeky escapades, such as shadowing the milkman to swipe chocolate milk and doughnuts with his friends! Needless to say, Jay was known for his ornery nature, further exemplified by his preference for skipping school. Yet, he managed to charm his way through to graduate Robinson High School with the Class of 1972.

That same year, he married Susan (Johnson) McDaniel, and through this union, Jay was blessed with two beautiful daughters, Valerie Shidler (and husband Jason) and Jennifer Crampton. His heart found love again with Trudy (Hill) Krick in 1989, leading to their marriage in 1999. Through Trudy, he gained a son, Travis Krick (and wife Kristi). As the years passed, he became a grandpa to Gracie Shidler, Ethan Shidler, Jackson Harmon, Andrew Crampton, Jarrett Crampton, Chase Crampton, and Bryce Crampton and a great-grandpa to Layla and Lakelyn Crampton. His life was further enriched by his "bonus" son, Carlos Cepeda (and wife Gabriella), their children, Emiliano and Alejandro, and Jay's fur "babies," Millie, Tillie, and Lillie. His brothers-in-law, Fred Newton (and wife Joan), Jess Newton, Art Newton (and wife Brenda), Tom Hill (and wife Laura), and Bill Hill (and wife Barb), all survive him, as does his sister-in-law, Bonnie Heath, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Herman Seaney & Ava Madeline "Preach" (Culp) Seaney; his sister & brother-in-law, Jean (Seaney) & Rex Sutfin; his parents-in-law, Roy "Jim" Hill & Pauline (Gilman) Hill; his sister-in-law, Linda Newton; and his brother-in-law, Paul Heath.

Jay's professional journey began with various local jobs, but none captivated his interest until he joined Local #157 as a pipefitter in 1978. His good work and determination saw him rise through the ranks, eventually taking over Morris Construction in the early 2000s. He transformed it into the best union contracting company for his employees, a testament to his intelligence and business acumen. Jay was able to sell the business and retire at the young age of 55, eager to embrace a life of leisure and exploration with Trudy, telling her, "We're going to go play." And play they did! They made a number of trips to Cancun, which quickly became a favorite destination for the couple. And while this became a sort of home away from home for them, Jay was most comfortable in the sanctuary of his garage. There, surrounded by his beloved fur "babies", Jay would spend his time watching TV while drinking coffee or enjoying a few beers and, of course, smoking his cigarettes.

That's not to say that he didn't get out much. An avid and skilled golfer, he taught Trudy how to play, and this pastime brought them countless hours of joy (and perhaps occasional embarrassment.) His love for bow and mushroom hunting spoke to his connection with nature, as did his exceptional green thumb. His inquisitive spirit led him to explore a myriad of other interests, from polishing stones to refinishing furniture to constructing Tiki huts inspired by those he admired in Cancun, but nothing could hold a candle to his beloved Minnesota Vikings. A lifelong fan since the days of Fran Tarkenton, Jay's loyalty to the team knew no bounds, and it would have surprised no one if the man had bled purple and gold!

Jay's analytical mind was always in motion, deducing the best options and solving problems with a wisdom that was both rare and invaluable. His perspective was unique, often offering an unfiltered view that was his own, unafraid of whether it was popular or not. His debates with Trudy were legendary, and his philosophy was simple: it was his way or the highway! Yet, beneath that tough exterior lay a soft-hearted man who could be moved to tears by the simplest of things. Though we ourselves mourn this devastating loss, we find comfort in knowing that his legacy endures in the lives he has shaped. Jay Seaney, a man like no other, will forever be remembered as a beacon of what it means to live unapologetically on your own terms. Let us carry forward the torch of his memory, illuminating our paths with the brilliance of his life's example.

A time of visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Friday, April 26th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. Funeral services will immediately follow and be held at 3:00 p.m., with Mike Irvin officiating. For those unable to attend, a live stream of the service will be available at www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream . Memorials may be made to "Good Samaritan Hospice", with envelopes available at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Palestine Cemetery.