Our family is deeply saddened by the sudden death of Jay. He was born on January 18, 1944, in Morganfield, KY to Jack Fredrick Silvernail and Helen Carter Silvernail.
Jay grew up in Whitewater, WI where he graduated from Whitewater HS in 1962. He received a bachelor’s degree (1966) and master’s degree (1971) at UW-Platteville. He later received his Administration Degree at UW-Madison (1980).
Jay was an Industrial Arts Teacher, track & cross-country coach at Palmyra WI HS 1966-1968. Industrial Arts Teacher, Assistant Principal, track & cross-country coach at Elkhorn WI HS 1968-1983. High School Principal and Athletic Director at Elk Mound High School in Elk Mound WI from 1983 to June 2001, where he started the Elk Mound Booster Club and was inducted into the Elk Mound Booster Hall of Fame, and the High School Principal at Phillips WI from 2001 – 2003.
Jay was a Member of Whitewater, WI Volunteer Fire Dept. from 1972-1983, Past President (10 years) of Price County Snowmobile Trails and Secretary Treasurer of Elk River Pioneers Snowmobile Club for 13 years.
Jay Married Judith Ann Jones, his high school sweetheart, November 26, 1966, in Whitewater, WI They had one son, Jon.
Jay is survived by his wife of 58 years, one son, Jon Carter Silvernail (Ann), Jim Falls, WI; One grandson, Jaron (Tianna) Silvernail Chippewa Falls, WI; 2 granddaughters: Kylie (Adam) Brahmstadt, Chippewa Falls, WI; Kerena (Mat) Burpo, Chippewa Falls, WI; 3 great-grandchildren: Zelda Rae Ann Burpo, Thorin Jon Burpo, and Valerie Jay Silvernail.
He is further survived by: Sisters-in-law: Louise (Bill) Lassner, Sparks, NV Kathy (Dave) Stafseth, the Woodlands, TX Rita (Brad) Gabel, Tempe, AZ; Brothers-in-law: Tom (Stephanie) Jones, Gold Canyon, AZ & Gerry Jones Aurora, CO and many nieces, nephew, and cousins.
Jay was preceded in death by his parents Jack & Helen and father & mother-in-law Leland & Margaret Jones.
Jay loved music, especially bluegrass, and was a member of the Elk River String Band. He was a member of Saint Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church in Phillips where he was a member of the quartet playing music for weekend Masses. He loved hunting and enjoyed many years hunting at “deer camp” at “the 40” with his son, grandson, and friends. He also enjoyed working in his woodshop and reading. He kept busy in the winter months by grooming snowmobile trails twice a week for over 20 years.
A celebration of life is planned for a later date.
