Jay Hough

Jay Lynn Hough, age 80, of West Chester, Iowa, passed away Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the University of Iowa Hospital, after failing health for the past three weeks. Celebration of life services will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 25, at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home. Interment with military honors will follow at West Chester cemetery. Calling hours will begin 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 24, with the family present to receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 that evening. Memorials have been established for English River Outfitters or Washington County Developmental Center. Online condolences may be sent to Jay’s family at www.jonesfh.com. Jay was born December 26, 1943, in Washington, Iowa, the son of John S. and Retha M. (Robertson) Hough. Jay was united in marriage to Carol Whetstine on October 24, 1964 in Wellman, Iowa. Jay served honorably in the United States Air Force for four years at K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base in Marquette, Michigan. After returning to Iowa, he worked at Advance Ross Manufacturing and then at Kalonial Industries in Kalona. He then started working for Keith Statler Electric in West Chester. In the mid-1970s, he started his own electrical service business, which he operated until his retirement. An avid bowler, Jay played for over 30 years in the Washington Bowling League and was proud of achieving a perfect score of 300. He enjoyed carpentry and could often be found in his woodshop. Known for his generosity, he frequently mowed lawns around West Chester and volunteered his electrical skills without charge, caring for seniors in his community. Jay was also passionate about history, maintaining an extensive World War II library, and cherished his daily coffee time. A proud supporter of his children’s athletic teams, Jay attended many sporting events and served as President of the Mid-Prairie Athletic Booster Club. He was well-known for his kindness, often helping strangers in need and treating bowlers with disabilities. Even after death, Jay's generosity continued through eye donation. He is survived by his wife, Carol of West Chester; daughter Terri Hoffman and husband Joe of West Chester; son Jeffery Hough of West Chester; son Garrett Hough of Washington; brother Robert Ray Hough of Keota, Iowa; and three grandchildren: Jarrett, Cleaveland, and Michell Hoffman. Jay was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Larry Hough, and sister-in-law Judy. “You learn more by listening instead of talking”

Jay Hough

December 26, 1943 - October 19, 2024