Jay was born in Crockett, Texas on July 5, 1943, to Julian Cooper Durst and Opal Annette (Cook) Durst. He grew up attending the Baptist Church. In Early life, Jay worked on the family farm. As a teen he measured cotton acreage for the Dept. of Agriculture, and he was a pipefitter's helper on oil rigs.
After graduation from Crockett High School Jay attended the University of Texas at Austin. It was there he met Lillie Lay whom was to become his wife. (Last June they celebrated 56 years of marriage.) He graduated from UT School of Pharmacy in 1967 and later that year joined the US Navy. Following Officer Candidate school, he made two tours to Vietnam aboard the USS Comstock (LSD-19), serving as Navigator.
After active duty, Jay attended California Western School of Law in San Diego, earning a Juris Doctorate in 1975. He passed the Texas Bar Exam in 1975 and moved to Conroe with Lillie and infant son to take a job with the Montgomery County DA's office. In 1980, he ventured into private practice. In 2001, he was appointed Associate Judge for the 2nd Administrative Judicial Region. Jay was dedicated to securing support for children. He held the position until he retired in 2024 at the age of 80.
Throughout his career he was proud to have served his country, the State of Texas, and Montgomery County. He valued time spent with family and friends. He loved the outdoors, his cows, tractors, and pickup trucks. He was an avid reader, especially of history. His servant's heart led him to help his fellow veterans and anyone in need.
Jay is survived by his wife, Lillie; two sons, John Andrew Durst and David Julian Durst, wife Amanda; grandson, William Henry Durst; brother, Dr. John Wakefield Durst; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, and infant brother, John Cook Durst, and sister-in-law Cynthia Christy Durst.
The Durst family would like to express special thanks to the wonderful staff at Season's Assisted Living and to Acara Hospice members Keri, Cheryl, Laura, Stacy and Chaplain John for their kindness and dedication.
A visitation to celebrate Jay's life will be held in the Metcalf Funeral Home in Conroe, Texas on Thursday, March 27, 2025 from 6:00-8:00 pm. A graveside service will be held at Evergreen Memorial Park cemetery in Crockett, Texas on Friday, March 28, 2025 at 1:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to your favorite charity in Jay's name.
