Jay McMunn Memorial

Catalina Herman

I never met Jay, but knew only of the profound impact he had on a dear friend. His influence and friendship has been invaluable. My condolences, Jay will be missed greatly.

Lora Jasman

Our family was so blessed to have known Jay. It is with great sorrow that we say goodbye. Jay had a rare mixture of keen wisdom, quick humor, and broad knowledge. We enjoyed his simple and thrifty lifestyle, and loyal friendship. From all of the Jasman family, sincere condolences to the family. He will be greatly missed.

Pete Cotting

Let me begin with my heart felt condollences in the lost of such a wonderful man. I met Jay when I lived in N. Idaho. I was bothering another friend of his about teaching me to make gun stocks. He introduced me to Jay and I knew from the first few words we exchanged that this was a very special man. Eventually with Jay and Bobs help we fashioned together a rifle so that I could break into long range shooting. Jay taught me so much and I was so eager to build another rifle. Alas the economy in the area drove me to find work else were and I shelved the idea of makeing another rifle. I unfortunatlly lost touch with Jay and have not spoken to him in a few years. I am deeply disapointed in myself for allowing that to happen. I will always remember shooting and talking with Jay, visiting his shop and learning all that he has taught me. We all have lost such a wonderful friend and teacher.
Jay, Thank you for touching my soul. I will truely miss you.
Pepper

Bob & Helen Gibbs

Dear Jeannie,
Bob and I were shocked and saddened to learn that Jay had passed away. Mutual friend, Harry Reichelt, called us yesterday to tell us. It seems like only yesterday that Harry brought us as potential buyers to see your home in July 2006. We fell in love with the land and the house Jay had built with so much care, love and craftsmanship. We have very fond memories of sitting at the kitchen table with you both, eating your delicious home baked cinnamon buns and listening to Jay tell us about his long range shooting, and other adventures. We know how much he must have missed living up here on this beautiful mountain, and have thought of you both often over the past four years, hoping you were happy in your new home. We are so deeply sorry for your loss, and pray that God will comfort you. Please extend our sympathy to your wonderful son Jason. You are both welcome to come and visit us anytime....I know you must have so many happy memories of all the years you called this place "home".
Warm regards ~ Helen & Bob Gibbs

Shane Robinson

I'm so sorry to hear about Jay's passing. I wasn't aware that he was ill. I'm the trapper who lived down the road from you guys when you lived on Jewel Lake. I really enjoyed and learned so much from talking with Jay. His friendship will be missed greatly. Our condolences to your family.

Blake Huddle

I've only known Jay for a year or two, but from the start had tremendous respect for him. I enjoyed a few one on one discussions with him about politics, life, and shooting. Jay was an easy man to see eye to eye with for me with his opinions and thoughts and will be missed greatly.

The thing that amazed me the most about him was the open ended opportunity to learn and have fun while doing so.

I thank Jay for the smiles and laughs, especially the smiles that followed his comments about "you dirt shooters..." when he was visiting us at Seekins shop.

Rory DesJardin

Jay was truly a great guy, he led me into long range shooting and was always there to help, discuss and correct me when needed. He could definitely build anything in his shop, such a talented individual. He will truly be missed.

Lito Davila

This is a shock to me...

I've just gotten off the phone with Jay's wife, and have been informed. My condolences above all to the Family.

A more kinder father figure of a man, I did not know.
His easy laugh, the quick humor, it was his Presence.
He's left a hole in my heart, but a simple smile on my face knowing he's in a better place. Not many deserved it more.

lito

Vernon Morrison

Our condolences to Jay's family.
Jay and I became good friends in high school. We spent lots of time together. I remember Jay and his new bride stopped in CA to visit us in 1967. After that we lost track of Jay. But we remember him as a
very good friend.

Jim Barta

I am sorry to here about the passing away of jay. He was a man always looking to help people shoot better and make the shooting sport better. He will be missed.

Robbie Black

WOW I hate I never got to meet Jay from the sound of ALL these comments I know we would have had alot in common and could have been good friends after all we came from the same stock !! I am SO SORRY for your lose GOD BLESS you guys and I want to be able to tell you in person VERY SOON! much love your cousin...Robbie!!!!!!!!!!

Rick Peters

To me Jay was a friend, a mentor, a teacher, a father and a brother. There was never anything I couldn’t talk to him about (OK he didn’t like the conspiracy theory stuff but he even tolerated that to a degree). I feel like I know many of the people who wrote in about Jay because he has talked about many of you so often (his buddy here or there). Jay was one of a kind and I never found a subject that he couldn’t talk about and do it with more knowledge than most. Jay definitely left a positive mark on this world, and I for one am far better off for having known him.

A little background for some; we had been neighbors since the 70’s when Jay, Jeannie and Jason moved to Jewel Lake, but our friendship really began when we worked together in the late 80’s. Some years later I started my own business and for 5 or 6 years following that Jay and I were nearly joined at the hip while he helped me build that business. Honestly I could not have done it without him, but more importantly it was one of the most enjoyable times of my life due in a large part to Jay McMunn.

Jay you will hate to hear this, but I know as you look down from where ever you are that God too will love talking with you and getting your input on everything. Good-By Jay I will miss you.
Rick

Diane Van Beek

I only met JAY at the 1000 yard matches in MT, but he continued to come to the Shot Show in Las Vegas where I was working for Kershaw Knives. He always had a smile on his face...and a couple years ago he brought his wife and explained to her our "Composite Blade" process. This is where I saw that she loved everything about him and hung on every word he said. He would hang out with us in our Kershaw Knives Booth and explain some of the particulars of the "Composite blade" process as he would definately understand it. He was a guy who would tinker with anything metal and understand it's properties. He always had a "shining" smile and I loved seeing him and his wife. I will miss him...and DID miss him at last Shot Show...he always showed up at Vegas. I know he is in peace...his wife not so much...with all of our love of Jay...things couldn't be any clearer. He KNEW what life was about, and tended to share with others...even if he DIDN'T love them. He was an AMAZING person and I will miss him...as I know we ALL will! Rest steady my friend....XOXOXOXO

Mark Van Beek

Wow,
I don't know what to say that hasn't already been said, but here goes...............Jay was a true friend......I first met Jay at the 1000 yard shoot in Challis in I think 1999. I had been reading posts on the BR C Benchrest Message Board for two years, and always noted the wisdom exhibited in each of Jay's posts. My first impression of Jay when meeting him was that he was kind of a country bumpkin...........it didn't take long to see that he was a real thinker, tinkerer, and experimenter. Jay knew his way around tools, and was always willing to help those of us less fortunate in knowledge. I had many conversations with Jay over the years that we shot together at the MT club, and we both felt the same about the club officers, and compared notes on a regular basis. Jay helped me select the machines that would enable me to do the machining operations that I wanted to do, and offered many suggestions as to how to make them perform the best.
Jay was always willing to jump in and help anyone that needed information, and I appreciate that immensely. What a special guy he was. When I first heard of Jay's passing, I posted the message on two message boards that he and I frequented, and there were a number of friends that were alerted that may not have been otherwise. There are still many friends of Jay's that are not aware of his passing, and I intend to do my best to let them know.
Jay was a very special person, and I will miss him much............rest easy my friend, and I hope that there is a range in Heaven for you to shoot in.

Mark Van Beek

Cruz Sanabria

Wow!! I'm so sorry for your loss, I met Jay years ago shooting in Montana, what a wonderful man he was!! He was always so friendly with us and made me laugh, I remember him saying to me as he pointed to his Benchrest rifle, "That's my Hog right there"..lol. We will miss him!! God bless you and the family.

Kathleen Bender

Jeannie and Jason- I am very sorry for your loss. Jay was a wonderful man with a colorful personality. He always had a comment and a memory like a steel trap! Sometimes reminding you of things you wish he would forget! I am glad that I knew him. If there is anything I can do, please let me know.

Tim Sellars

Jay was a great adviser and was very helpfull to me ,we had talked for years and had never met in person,i finnally got to meet him at the nbrsa nationals in colorado .we talked all weekend off and on,discussed his and my projects and i could tell he would be right back to work when he got home .he seemed very happy and content and always ready to try new ideas .he will be missed by many.our prayers go out to the family and friends of jay.it was an honer to know him. tim sellars

Debbie McMunn Belleau

To ALL..Who have been commenting on their friendship, companship, knowledge...it has been a great relief and pleasure... to have read these heart felt memories of my brother.. my nephew, Jasons' father, and my sister inlaws. Norma Jean..Jeannie.long time partner and husband and friend..of my brother.. I am so honered to have been his sister..I have always been proud of my brother..but thru his death.. I am so profoundly..proud of him ..I will never forget this man.. nor will I ever stop loving him.. thank you all.. very special..

Jerry Hancock

To Jay McMunn's Family:

My first memory of meeting Jay was on the advice of another friend in regards to shooting. Upon meeting Jay, he immediately began a 12 year long mentor ship and friendship. Jay gave freely and openly of himself. Jay literally taught me everything I know about shooting and reloading. He also built two rifles for me, they are amoung my most prized possessions. I am sure you already know how very proud Jay was of his family. He always had a glint in his eyes when speaking of them. Jason wrote that his father made a wave in this world. If it was a wave, it was surely a tidal wave. Jay was many things to me, but first and foremost he was my friend. I will miss him greatly, it was an honor to know him!

Respectfully,

Jerry Hancock

Julie Nemeth-Enochs

Jeannie and Jason,
I cannot express how I feel. I just wish Jay would have let us know about his condition beforehand. I will miss his political emails and words of wisdom. I will always remember the days that Jay, along with other kids from St. Thomas, would hang out at my house after school.
Jay, till we meet again!!!!!

Julie

Richard DeSimone

Jay was a great contributor on the Benchrest forum. I had exchanged ideas as number of times with Jay and his wisdom will be missed by all.
Rich De

Barry Bluhm

Jay, Who have brought us all life long memories. Sitting at the work bench talking of family valves, muscle cars or building rifles. Those early morning Missoula trips designing reamers, watching the light shows in the dark skies over July 4 pass to the 1000yd matches is God's way of giving us memories. We will meet again some day and sit at the work bench to talk numbers. We will all miss you Jay "Doc" McMunn

JIm Craig

The entries in this memorial are a testimony to all the lives Jay touched in a profound way. I've never known anyone like Jay and do not ever expect to meet anyone else like him. He was truly unique to the core with quality and charity in the sharing of his talents and ideas. It has been a great fortune in my life to have known him.

My condolences to both Jeannie and Jason.

Suzie Burnham Vaughn

Norma "Jeannie", Jason, Debby and family, I was so sorry to hear of Jay's passing. I know you will all miss him so much. You have my deepest sympathy, and I'll keep you in my thought and prayers.

Tanner

Jay was one of our Benchrest shooters at Tri-County Gun Club in Portland. I remember him as a pleasant man, who was open and shared with everyone. Definitely a true asset to our shooting community. It was a pleasure meeting him and shooting with him.

Brenda Hoy-Selfinger

I am Debs life long friend.I never met you
but if you were anything like her you were a wonderful person. I am sorry things happened the way they did. My prayers are with you.

Gus Cocklin

Jay - As far back as I can remember you have been in my life. You were as influential as my own father and were considered family. You were always so willing to share your wealth of knowledge and I will miss our conversations. Thank you for being such a good friend to my dad.... He loved you like like a brother. Tell Grandpa and Kip "Hi". I love you.... Gus

Jason and Jeannie - I think of you as my family as well.... I love you both and I am so sorry for your loss. If you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to call.

Pete Berube

Jay, May the Bullet Gods be with you! Thankyou for all your help over the years. Pete

Bill D.

Jay helped me with quite a bit of information about a unique rifle built on an AMT action in an unusual configuration. I appreciated his consideration then, and now. Small gestures of kindness are truly the jewels of humanity. I never met Jay, but I considered him to be one of the good guys. We are diminished. Condolences from the left coast.

Kate (Kathy) McRee

Jay, Jay, Jay.....you gave me one of the most terrible days in my life yesterday. You have been one of the absolute best I have met here in the States.......I shall never forget you!!!!! Jeanie, Jason and the family, I am so sorry!!!!!!!! I do not have the correct words to explain how Scott & I feel about Jay and the big void we feel now.

Ryan Bluhm

I always enjoyed talking with Jay, and very greatful I got to talk with him recently. He defintaly was a great person to converse with on many topics. Jay, was always a kick to have out at the 1000 yard range in Misoula. Thanks for the wisdon and good times Jay, well sure miss you!

Ryan

Bob Inge

He was a long time friend that I will miss. We shot many rounds in the backyard range, amid discussions of many subjects.

Richard Schultz

I am very sorry for your loss and my sincere sympathy to you and your family
I was his class mate Pickerington High School 1959

Arun (Ally)

It is sad to hear about your dad. I am so sorry and wnat to offer my condolences. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Carl Hansen

I and my fellow long range shooters from Western Wa. will miss his sage advice.

Sasikumar kajendran

Jason -
I am very sorry for your loss and my sincere sympathy to you and your family.

Lee Wilson

Jason, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family are in our prayers.

Jeff Seager

Jason, I want to extend my sympathy to you and your family. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. I recently lost my father and know how difficult it is. Take care.

Vera

Jason, very sorry for your loss.

San Barve

"Death must be great, because no one has come back from it".
My prayers are with you

Animikh

I never met Jay, but worked closely with Jason, his son. After readin the comments, I know exactly why I love working with Jason. Jay, I never met you, but you are leaving a mark with me via Jason.

al matson, "alinwa"

I met Jay at Tri-County 600yd shoot.... what a guy. My first 600yd match I arrived about 6:30AM, misty-moisty morning, lost and wondering, wandering, Jay found me and got me lined out. Showed me the ropes as it were. Then I found out he'd driven in from Idaho....that he WAS 'jayidaho' from BRC in fact... I had a great time thanks to Jay and his friends Bruce and Mark. In fact, thanks to Jay I knew everyone by the end of the day.

Jay lived his life for others.

I'm honored to have been one of those others.

RIP Old Buddy. I hope you're WRONG and you DO find a place to shoot somewhere out there :)

To all you family, I know you miss him.... I miss him and only knew him for a couple yrs......

Treasure the memories

al

sonny

jay,thanks for being a friend.I remember all the times we went hunting with dogs you did good to stay with us.the last trip at Avery with my two girls.will miss you. love you. sonny.

Tom & Rose Anne Wheatley

Jeannie, Jason & family,
We were saddened to learn of your loss.
Jay was a one of a kind... in so many ways and on so many levels. It was an honor and a privilege to know him.You are in our hearts and prayers.

Caroline Lobsinger

Jeannie and Jason, my heartfelt condolences on Jay's passing. He always made me laugh with his wicked sense of humor and jokes when he would stop by the office to see Jeannie. With a deadpan delivery, he'd deliver a zinger and then wait with a twinkle in his eye to see how long it took you to catch on. He will truly be missed by everyone. We loved Jay and we love all of you. If there is anything I can do, let me know.

Jackie Hart

Jeanne and family
I am so sorry to hear about Jay. I didn't know that he was ill. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love
Jackie Derr Hart

Judy Weaver Evans

This was shocking, and I am so sad ... I've forwarded this to our 1959 Pickerington High School Classmates. I am so very sorry and hope you'll accept my sincere sympathy. We were so fortunate to have him at our 50th HS Reunion last year - so glad he flew to Ohio for it. Bless You All.

Denise Lucas

You are in my prayers.

Paul & Bonnie Smith

Sory to hear about Jay. In 1959 Jay was our class clown. I will miss e mailing him, and calling him. He never complained about his health, but did talk about his wife, and family, and then guns. I know that he will be missed by all. Paul

Mark Todd

It is with great sorrow and sadness that I read this e-mail about Jay's passing. Jeannie and Jason, my condolences. Jay was a great guy and a close friend. Jay was one of the first people I met when I moved to Sandpoint in 1984. He had recently returned from living in Saudi for 8 years and was a newcomer at that time, even though he had been here since 1974, I believe. Jay and I ended up working together in 1988 and he was great fellow employee he and loved practical jokes. His good friend Bob Ebel and Jay sure could pull a fast one on fellow employees and do it with a straight face too. Jay and I went to many gun shows in Coeur d'Alene and Spokane together, along with his regular vendor tables at the Sandpoint gun show. Jay was very well read and could carry on a conversation about just about any subject and if there was someting he didn't know about he was quick to search for it on the web. Before the days of the web he was a regular at the library, always reading up on something or checking out novels and other works of fiction. He wasn't much on watching TV, but reading and talking were his main attributes and he was a great coversationalist. Jay touched many folks in his life and will be greatly missed by all of us who knew and loved him. Good bye old friend.

John Malison

Jay, posted an ad back in 1998 asking for 1000yd benchrest shooters. At 17 years old I was a little young to get into the sport, but Jay took me under his wing and helped me start. For the first years, he allowed me to shoot his rifles, and then worked on one with me. Years past with me moving around the west, and Jay and I saw each other less, but it seemed that if I ever had a question whether that be about guns, cars, politics, stocks etc., Jay was just a phone call away. Conversations normally ran long and very quickly switched topics so we could solve all the problems in the world, but he always seemed to have the answers. Jay was always more than willing to help. I will truly miss him.

Sheri Arnold

Thoughts and prayers go out to Jason and his family. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4

Glen Seekins

Jay is more of a friend than any guy could hope to find in three life times. I will miss his smiling face and the great time we had visiting in my shop. I will also miss the calls on my drive home in the evening just to let him know that everything was click’n. I learned so much from him about living a good life, his fatherly advice will stick with me forever. Jason, you are one lucky kid..

Jeannie, Thank you for the time I got to share with jay, It meant the world to me. If you need anything, you know where to find me.

Glen.

Sheri Jones

Jeannie and Jason, I am so sorry. Jay will be missed dearly. I absolutely loved him. Such a giant teddy bear (though he'd never admit it) I will always treasure his hugs :) He always had a way of making me laugh. Love you Jeannie. I will keep you both in my thoughts.
Sheri

Jenny Oates

wow... am at a loss as to what to say. Jay is an awesome friend with so much knowledge and the know- hows to do So much that it is mind boggling! And, it was not the kind of knowledge you could find in any ol' book either, His knowledge was the kind that came with experience and patient practice. I know that when ever my dad was stuck on Any kind of project, he would call your dad and they would hash it until they came up with some sort of conclusion that even made sense to me!

Thanks for sharing the knowledge Jay... I know that there are some smarter people in the world because of you and No one could ever compare to your skills in the 'shop.
The pictures are just as I remember him when I was kid.
Gonna' miss ya' buddy..........
Jen

Bruce & Pama Bangeman

Jeannie, Jason & Family, Jay was a great man in so many ways. We will truly miss him. Our thought are with you at this time with condolences.
Love, Pama & Bruce

Carolyn and Bob Inge

Jeannie and Jason. Jay meant so much to the both of us. Bob loved to talk with him about guns. He knew so much and was so knowledgeable. I learned a lot from heated arguments we would have about politics. I always respected Jay's opinion and he always treated my beliefs with respect. I will surely miss him. My life has been blessed with knowing him. He made me think and most of all he made me laugh.
Carolyn

Ben Hill

Jason and Jeannie, I hope Jay has found peace. May his place in your heart ever grow stronger. You are in Christina's and my prayers

Mark & Mia Dappert

Jason, Jeannie and family. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept our best wishes and condolences.
Mark

naomi mcdowell stiles

jeannie,jason,family so sorry to hear of your jay's passing. appreciated pictures. brings memories of you all. thoughts and prayers everyone. naomi

Steve Whipple

My old friend. It's been nearly twenty years and now I can't believe you're gone. Thank you for the sound advice, the lessons taught in the shop and the laughs. I miss you Jay.

Judy Barrett Chapman

Norma "Jeannie" and Jason,
You have our deepest sympathy.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Janie (Gibson) Chapman

Jeannie I am so sorry for your loss . I know you don't remember me but Jay was such a good friend of my brother John Gibson and I remember him as a kind person and of course a very handsome guy. I know he will be missed by the family and his sister Debbie which is one of a kind. Jack and Jodi raised to wonderful kids and my heart and prayers go out to you and all the family , I am sure he will be missed and always in your heart he will always be with you , I was told one time that our loved ones aren't gone they will always be were they always were and that is in your heart.

Mary Berryhill

Jeannie and Jason - I'm so sorry, and please know that I'm here for you. It was an honor to know Jay, and he brought smiles and good times to many. He was a good man. These photo are precious.

Kyle Reynolds

I feel for you Jason. Not sure I could handle this with the same dignity that you have... and I never met your Dad, but the pics with you and him bring tears to my eyes. Looks like some great memories to help soothe the loss.

Mary Bluhm

Jason, Jeannie & family,
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Dirk spent some great times with Jay and I only heard some of the "stories" they would tell each other. Boy could they talk and talk and talk. Jay taught Dirk
alot about metal working and he has a very special place in Dirk's heart. Thank you for sharing him with us. He will be greatly missed by many. Take care of yourselves and know that we are thinking of you. Love, Dirk & Mary Bluhm

Rick & Kary Miller

We treasured trading quips with Jay. He had one of the quickest wits of anyone we knew. The two of you together were priceless fun. Jeannie, I'll be in touch as soon as I get back from vacation. You can always call my cell, 208-304-0462.

Beth Oliver

Jack and Jody raised two wonderful people. I'm privlaged to have known them. Prayers go out to the rest of the family. May God bless.

Philip Flinn

I am deeply sorry for your loss.
I lost my father several years ago and I do think of him often.

May your sadness depart soon and the burdens be lifted from your heart.
Try to remember the good and forget the sadness.

Phil

Tim Boisvenue

Our condolences to the McMunn family for your loss. May you take comfort in knowing Jay's spirit lives on in each of you and through the many lives he's touched.

Thoughts & Prayers,
Tim, Jill, Claire, & Elle

Stephany Burge

It may be a small consolation for the tremendous loss, but we will keep his memory alive in our shop. Jay has made the last few months so very special for Tim. His teachings will not be lost.

Joe Bocsy

I have never met this gentleman but I know the profond affect he has had on at least one life. My condolensces to the family, especially yo Deb, I know you loved your brother very much.

Tracy McCauley

I never met Jay, but I consider his son one of the best friends I have ever had - and that is a testament to the father.

Debbie MCMUNN Belleau

Jay..my brother.. I will miss you sooo much... my heart is breaking right now.. you told me to not be sorry and crying,.. but I can't help it.. I LOVE YOU.. and miss you already.. and I know Jason and jeannie will sooo much also..love you ..ur sister.. Debby

Tim Spencer

It's too bad that I met him so late in the game. He's been such an inspiration to me these last few months. Even though it was a short time, he taught me so much in his shop, and I hope he had as much fun doing it as I had learning it. I will be lucky if I can achieve 1/4 of what he's done in his life.

Such a wonderful guy. I was hoping to have more time to become a better friend, but I'm sure happy to have gotten what I did. I miss him too.

Pete Neisen

I'll never forget shooting "indians" with the .44 mag. You had me so scared with stories of people embedding the hammer in their foreheads from the recoil. Good memories. :)

Rest in peace, Jay. You will be missed.

Jason McMunn

I sure do love you and I will miss you. You were the best Dad a guy could ever have.