Jay D. Yancey

Jay D. Yancey, beloved father and granddad, passed away on September 2, 2017 at age 85 in Dallas, Texas. Jay was born in Hutchinson, Kansas on May 15, 1932. Much of his childhood was spent in Syracuse, Kansas. He graduated from Syracuse High School and excelled at sports, playing on the Syracuse Bulldogs baseball and football teams. He graduated from Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas with a degree in Radio & Television. A lifelong Wildcat, he played freshman football for the Cats, joined Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and worked at Woody’s Clothing Store in Aggieville. After college Jay enlisted in the Air Force and served as a Lieutenant and pilot. His time in the Air Force fueled a lifelong love of flying.

Jay returned to Manhattan after his military service and became the manager of Woody’s Clothing Store. He loved the clothing business and dreamed of starting his own company. He approached a friend from Kansas State, whose father owned a factory in Hong Kong, to manufacture a clothing line of his own. Jayson Younger Sportswear was formed in 1969. The early years were lean with Jay driving the country selling his product to clothing retailers. As many entrepreneurs do, he fought hard to get his company off the ground. He recalled sleeping in his car and eating meals of peanut butter and crackers while on the road. He moved his business to Dallas and opened an office/showroom in the Dallas Apparel Mart in 1972. His daughter Chriss joined the company and it became the family business. Jay’s hard work and entrepreneurial dreams were realized as Jayson Younger Sportswear enjoyed great success for over 25 years. Jay spent much time traveling the Orient as Jayson Younger sweaters were manufactured in Hong Kong, as well as China. He eventually went on to travel the world but Hong Kong remained his favorite destination. Jay was involved in the Dallas Council on World Affairs, Dallas Crime Commission, Who’s Who (Dallas Chapter) and numerous social organizations.

An avid sportsman, Jay loved tennis, golf, fly fishing, and snow skiing. His family has many memories of skiing and fly fishing with him in Colorado as well as wonderful times together in Big D (Jay’s favored name for Dallas). Music was a big part of his life, playing the trumpet while driving and dancing to Aretha Franklin were favorites. A dashing entrepreneur, he was known for his charm and elegance, a true gentleman. Many beloved friends enjoyed his wit, humor and positive spirit. His love for his children and grandchildren was always evident and a source of great comfort. In the end, he faced his battle with Parkinson’s disease with determination, grace and strength. He inspired us all to be better and to love life.

He is preceded in death by his son, Scott Yancey, and his parents, Huber and Odessa Yancey. Survived by his daughters, Chriss (Hank Newton) Montoya and Lisa (Jerry) Jones; grandchildren, Jayson Montoya, Jessica Jones and Sam Jones.

Funeral Service will be 3:30 PM on Thursday, September 14, 2017 at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 W. Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX, with family receiving friends at 3 PM. There will be a reception to follow.

Memorials can be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation, P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741 or https://www.michaeljfox.org

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