Jay Michael Voelk

Jay Michael Voelk, 51, passed away December 13, 2024, at his home in Mission, KS after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest. Having faith in a God who loved him unconditionally, he is now at peace in the presence of his Savior.

Jay was born May 12, 1973, in Kansas City, MO to Jerry and Janis Voelk, joining his brother Jeffrey and sister Jeanette. He graduated from Shawnee Mission Northwest High School in 1991, and following high school worked in lawn care, carpet installation, and over-the-road and local trucking.

Growing up, Jay loved a good adventure with his friends, from blazing trails on dirt bikes or snowmobiles, to jumping from bridges and cliffs at the Lake of the Ozarks, to taking on the most challenging jumps and runs on the slopes in Colorado. He played a variety of sports, finally specializing in baseball as a true slugger, regularly hitting out-of-the-park home runs.

After some injuries slowed him down physically, Jay developed a love and talent for karaoke singing, which led to a reconnection with his junior-high love, Stephanie McCall. They got married on May 19, 2007, and made their home together in the Shawnee Mission area.

Jay was known for his smile and kind and thoughtful generosity, often bringing home gifts from his cross-country travels for friends and family.

He is survived by his wife, Stephanie Voelk, and stepsons Drew and Ben Coppenbarger of Mission, KS; parents Jerry and Janis Voelk of Shawnee, KS; sister Jeanette Schwartz and husband John, of Manhattan, KS; nieces and nephews Joshua Schwartz of Manhattan, KS, Juliana Schwartz of Brooklyn, NY, Jayna Schwartz of Shawnee, KS, Jessa Schwartz of Manhattan, KS, and Jensen Schwartz, of Manhattan, KS, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Jay was preceded in death by his grandparents, Edgar and Welma Voelk and James and Jane Barber; his brother Jeffrey Robert Voelk; and his brother-in-law Phillip McCall.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, December 19, 2024, at Legacy Christian Church, 10150 Antioch Road, Overland Park, KS with Pastor Ryan Fletcher and John Schwartz officiating. Family will greet friends from 12-2 p.m., preceding the service. A burial will follow immediately at Mount Moriah Cemetery in Kansas City, MO.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to NAMI Johnson County, KS at namijoco.org, or left in the care of the Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Memorial Home.