James (Jay) Henry Woolbright

James "Jay" Henry Woolbright [Click to enlarge]

James Henry Woolbright, age 82, of Lake Havasu City, Ariz. went to be with our Lord on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2010. He was born February 19, 1928, in Trumann the son of Roy (Griffin) and Sadie (Barker) Woolbright.

Woolbright was a member of the Lake Havasu Church of Christ on North Palo Verde in Lake Havasu City, Ariz.. He was a great servant to God, his family, church and community. Many knew him as "Pawpaw". He was truly a man of integrity, humor and grace.

He attended Shady Grove Elementary, Trumann High School, ASU in Jonesboro, AR, and ITT in Chicago, IL. He played several sports including baseball and basketball.

He served honorable in the U.S. Navy, an Aviation Ordanceman Third Class in World War II.

Jay worked 29 years in Chicago, IL at Kropp Forge Company, division of Anadite Corp. He received many awards and certificates of recognition during his advancement with the company. In 1984, as Production Control Manager he retired and moved to Lake Havasu City, Ariz.

For 10 years, 1998-2008, Jay served as President of the Shady Grove Reunion in Trumann where his joy was to bring longtime friends and families together to share memories and good times.

He liked to watch football, basketball, baseball and enjoyed doing Suduko and crossword puzzles.

He was preceded in death by his eldest son, James Steven, his parents Roy and Sadie, sisters, Mary Kathryn, Dorothy Jean, Thelma Faye Cowser, and Marilyn Ann Clem, a brother, Bobbie Roy and half-brothers, Royal and Robert. His sisters Carolyn Sue Swindle of Mins, Fla., and Sandra Kay Jeffrey of Cape Canaveral, Fla. survive him.

Survived by his loving wife and childhood sweetheart, Nora (Watters), married 61 years, he admired and cherished her as they raised their six children together in Ill.

He is survived by his children, daughters, Peggy (Jerry) Nowakowski of Searcy, AR, Diana Foti and Donna (Dennis) Grosser of Lake Havasu City, AZ and sons Jack Woolbright of Lake Havasu City, AZ, Phillip (April) Woolbright of Peoria, AZ

He treasured his 13 grandchildren, Jerry Jr (Carol) and Deanna Nowakowski, Jenny Mick, Keith (Gina) Fernung, Jason (Ashleigh) and Jessica Woolbright, Stephanie, Anthony, Alex, Chandler Woolbright, Kenneth, Tim, Nichole Grosser, and 10 great-grandchildren, Hailey and Lindsay Nowakowski, Justen and K'Lee Bender, Darwin and Azara Mick, Draven and Zavior Romo, Brayden Bernard, and Kayde Fernung.

Jay's family expresses their deep gratitude for all who have surrounded them with prayers, love and many acts of kindness.

Visitation will be held 9:30 to 10:30 am on Saturday morning, March 6, at the Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home in Lake Havasu City, Ariz. Chapel services after visitation officiated by Jay's youngest son Phillip Woolbright, and Graveside Interment to follow at Lake Havasu Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

The family suggests that memorials may be made to the James H. Woolbright Memorial Fund, Wells Fargo Bank, Box 2453, Lake Havasu City, Ariz. 86405

Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com