Ronald Leroy “J.R.” Carey Jr., age 47, of Washington, Iowa, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2026, in Washington.

Celebration of life services will be held at a later date. A general memorial has been established. The Jones & Eden Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent for J.R.’s family at www.jonesfh.com.

J.R. was born July 6, 1978, in Iowa City, Iowa, the son of Ronald Leroy Carey Sr. and Rebecca Lynne (Rutherford) Carey. He attended school in Michigan. J.R. was married to Jessica Messenger. They later divorced.

J.R. grew up in Texas, Oklahoma, and Michigan. He has lived in Iowa all of his adult life. He worked for Foundations Unlimited for over 20 years. J.R. enjoyed everything Star Wars, playing video games, and collecting action figures.

He is survived by two sons, Traeton Carey of Kalona, Iowa, and Ty Carey of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; his father and stepmom, Ronald (Brenda) Carey Sr. of West Chester, Iowa; brother, Damon (Pam) Sojka of Washington, Iowa; brother, Devon (Kaye) Carey of Kalona, Iowa; brother, Jacob Carey of Kalona, Iowa; and godmother, Patrise Taylor-Harris of Washington, Iowa; along with multiple aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

J.R. was preceded in death by his mom, Rebecca Rutherford; maternal grandparents, James “Jim” and Nancy Rutherford; and paternal grandparents, Richard “Jake” Carey and Kathryne (Leeper) West.