John “Jay” Lugene Pierce, 59, Galesburg, died at 9:16 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10, 2019, at his wife’s apartment in Galesburg.
Jay was born Oct. 22, 1959, in Galesburg, the son of John E. and Barbara J. (Magee) Pierce. He married, Patricia L. (Moore) Pierce on December 24, 1982, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Jay is survived by his wife, Patricia of Galesburg; brothers, Donn (Jan) Lobb of Springfield and Larry of Galesburg; sister-in-law, Janet; two stepsons, Daniel (Joanie) Mudge of Bellefontaine, Ohio, and Cliff Cleary of Flint, Michigan; two stepdaughters, Monica (Steve) Spaeni of McFarland, Wisconsin, and Angela (Dan) Larakers of Springfield; nephews, Josh, Jerrad, Mike, Jeff II, John III, Andy, Max, Harry, and Clayson; nieces, Mandi, Megan, Samantha, and Jade; and numerous step-grandchildren and grand-nieces and nephews. Jay was honorary “Grandpa” to Mary Ann Bethany Porter. Along with his parents, Jay was preceded in death by two brothers, Jeff Steven Pierce and Mark D. Pierce.
Jay was born, raised, and went to school in Galesburg. He was a bus driver and team leader for those with physical disabilities in Tulsa, OK. He was a delivery driver for Duck T-Shirt Company in Denver, CO, a DJ with WAIK radio and a taxi driver in Galesburg. Jay was an avid Cubs fan and a Vikings fan despite his brothers’ love of the Bears. He enjoyed watching WWE Raw. Jay was best known for his passion, knowledge, and love of music – especially his favorite, classic rock.
A Celebration of Life Memorial will be at First Church of God,1080 Harrison St, Galesburg, IL 61401 on Thursday, July 18, 2019. Dinner will be served at 4:30 p.m. followed by a service at 5:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family or to First Church of God. Arrangements have been entrusted with Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Expressions of sympathy may be left to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.