Jay B. Jellison, 66, of Dubuque, took the long, steep Stairway to Heaven on, Friday, January 5, 2024, at the University of Iowa Hospital. 

Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 11, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd., Dubuque, where there will be a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 12, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2215 Windsor Ave., Dubuque, and will be live-streamed. Rev. Steven Garner will officiate, with Rev. Mark Osterhaus concelebrating. Military Honors will be accorded by the U.S. Navy and the Dubuque Marine Corps League. 

Jay was born May 10, 1957 in Dubuque, the son of Ted and Millie (Neubauer) Jellison. He attended St. Mary’s grade school, and Wahlert High School. After high school, Jay enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and served for 20 years, until his retirement as an Internal Communications Electrician, First Class (IC1). Jay married the Pride and Joy of his life, Mary Kay Spahn on February 27, 1982 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Jay loved so many things in life, especially music. He played lead guitar in the popular local band, Deep Sage, in his younger years and continued to play and collect guitars until the very end. He enjoyed woodworking, 3D printing, and helping his family with any project he could. Jay was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and could recite every line from every episode of the show M.A.S.H. Seafood, especially Red Lobster, was his favorite – hello, endless shrimp and lobster! Jay loved animals, caring for many pets of all kinds. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, and loved spending time with his family. 

Those left to Carry On his memory include the Apple of his Eye, Mary Kay; his beloved brown dogs, Cubbie and Wrigley, his children, Nicole (Scott) Herrig, Brian Jellison, and Matthew (Heather) Jellison; his grandchildren, Aubrielle and Brynlee Jellison, all of Dubuque, honorary grandchildren Adelynn and Lucas Blaisdell, of Cedar Rapids; his siblings, Joan (David Erickson) Owens, Jody Droullard, Carol Sessions, and Ted Jellison, all of Dubuque; his in-laws, Tom Osterhoff, of Dubuque, Jim (Terri) Spahn, of Cedar Rapids, Joe (Lora) Spahn, of Asbury, Justin (Karen) Spahn, of Glenwood, IA, Amy (Willy) Gutierrez, of Cedar Rapids, Peg Corken, of Bettendorf, Cathy Spahn, of Dubuque, and Michael Wright, of Cedar Rapids; as well as many nieces and nephews on both sides of the family. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Millie Jo; his in-laws, John C. and Rita Ann Spahn, his sisters, Jill Jellison, and Bonnie Osterhoff; his in-laws, Baird Sessions, John Spahn, Jeff Spahn, and Sara Wright; and a menagerie of adored pets and grand pups. 

Jay’s family would like to thank all his many healthcare providers, including the nurses at Medical Associates, Dr. Chad Nachtman, Dr. Ramanujam Ramabadran, and the doctors and nurses at the University of Iowa Hospital, especially his nurse, Taylor R. 

“Fair Winds and Following Seas,” JB Doll.