John Andrew "Jay" DeVilbiss liked to tell people he was ornery, mean and downright cantankerous… and he was big enough to get away with it most of the time. However, he knew better when his wife, Betty Ives of 70 years was present.
Jay was born to Catherine and John DeVilbiss of West Burlington. He graduated from Burlington High School. He met the love of his life on roller skates. He told her he wished he was a better skater so he could skate with her. She said, “I wish you were, too.”
Jay and Betty skated all the way to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and were married on July 18, 1953.
Jay served in the Air Force for one year and the Reserves for 23 years. He was a tool and die maker at Champion Spark Plug for 32 years. While here, Jay started the III Credit Union and served as president. He liked to tinker in his basement workshop making CD sun catchers and Pepsi can pinwheels.
Jay was most proud of four things. His three children and his seven-foot-tall tomato stacks. He loved to talk about these things most.
After retiring, Jay and Betty loved to travel, go to McDonald’s, and spend time volunteering. Jay received the Governor’s Award for volunteering in Burlington for 37 years and supporting St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital for 42 years.
Jay is survived by his wife, Betty of 70 years; sons, Kenneth (Ellen) Brighton, Colo., Gary (Diane) Ossian, and daughter Kay (Ken) King Tucson, Ariz.; grandchildren John DeVilbiss, Jason (Ellen) DeVilbiss, Michael (Claire) DeVilbiss, Kayleen (Frankie) Zuniga, Mikael (Jake) Meyer, Jennika (Joshua) Perkins, Jayden (Morgan) DeVilbiss, Kennidee (Garrett) Bohach, Paxten DeVilbiss, Nicholas King, and Tori King; and fifteen great-grandchildren; and sister Irene Martin of Burlington and special niece, Cathy Nealey of Danville.
Jay was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters Margerie, Dorothy, and Kathleen; and brother-in-law Bill.
Funeral services: 11:00 am Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023, at St. Mary and Patrick Catholic Church. 500 West Mount Pleasant St. West Burlington, 52655.
Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at St. Mary and Patrick Catholic Church.
Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, West Burlington.