He
was born June 16, 1932 in Pocahontas, Arkansas, the son of Jess and
Gertha Williams Penn. He married Lucille Anderson Taflinger on October
7, 1957. Together they raised five sons until their divorce in 1973.
Later, he married Barbara Jane Heagy Smith Irons on May 7, 1976 in
Abingdon. After nearly 40 years of marriage, she preceded him in death
on March 22, 2016. He was also preceded in death by his parents.
Jay is survived by his children, Gary (Wanda) Penn of Cameron, James
“Jim” Penn Jr. of East Galesburg, Willie (Terri) Penn of Monmouth,
Donnie (Teressa) Taflinger of Abingdon, David (Linda) Taflinger of
Kingwood, Texas, Jan (Brian) Helms of Monmouth, Jane Berg of Monmouth
and Tom (Teresa) Irons of Abingdon; 18 grandchildren and 14
great-grandchildren.
He
attended Abingdon High School. He was a Navy Veteran of the Korean
War. He worked at Rowe Manufacturing in Galesburg for 30 years. He
then worked for the Abingdon School District and later for the Abingdon
Post Office, where he retired from. He also served several years as the
Veteran Assistance Liaison for Knox County at the Knox County
Courthouse in Galesburg. He was a lifetime member and past commander of
the Harry E. Wiles American Legion Post #381 in Abingdon, a lifetime
member of 40 & 8, past commander of the 15th District of
American Legions, and a member of the Monmouth VFW. He enjoyed camping,
traveling, mowing his yard and spending time with his family.
Cremation will be accorded. As Jay and Barb requested, their ashes
will be commingled and buried together at a graveside service at 11 a.m.
Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at the Abingdon Cemetery. Bob Haynes will
officiate. Jay will also be honored with military rites. Family and
friends are invited to share in a celebration of life at the Abingdon
American Legion following the graveside service. Hinchliff-Pearson-West
Abingdon Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the American Legion Post #381. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
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