Jay R. Kinnear

Jay Riley Kinnear, age 77, died February 7, 2020, at his home in Green Cove Springs, Florida, surrounded by friends and loved ones.

Jay is survived by his wife of 26 years, Sheryl C. Kinnear (265) of Green Cove Springs; his sons James Riley Kinnear and Chad Jacobs Kinnear, both of Green Cove Springs; his stepsons Jeffrey McFarland (Megan Mann) and Jody McFarland (Anna), both of Jacksonville, Florida; his three grandchildren, Riley Kinnear, Alexis Kinnear and Cortanie Doyle, all of Green Cove Springs; his daughter-in-law, Robin Kinnear of Green Cove Springs; his brother-in-law Butch Cronon (Pat) of Maitland, Florida; his many loved nieces, nephews and cousins; and the mother of his children, Sylvia Kinnear of Green Cove Springs. He is preceded in death by his parents James Riley Kinnear and Mildred Geiger Kinnear of Green Cove Springs; his father-in-law and mother-in-law James Sharpe and Jo Sharpe of Green Cove Springs; his brother Leland Geiger Kinnear of Green Cove Springs; his sister Harriette Sprague (Don) of LaRue, Ohio; and his much-loved nephew Leland G. Kinnear, Jr.

Jay was born on February 1, 1943 in Kenton, Ohio, and moved with his family to Green Cove Springs in 1953. Ohio did not know what it would be missing. After graduating from Clay High School, he began running a local gas business while attending classes at St. Johns Community College. In 1968, he joined the Navy, and was stationed at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, where he achieved the rank of Airman with a specialty as an Aviation Structural Mechanic. After his honorable discharge in 1971, he continued to serve in the Naval Reserve until 1973.

Meanwhile, he put those mechanical skills to use in a lot of different ways. He worked for an oil business, and then owned an oil business (Jay’s Fuel Service). He owned a site preparation and construction business. He owned a paint and body shop. He drove (and fixed) big rigs. He then finished his career at the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, where among other things he remodeled the Sheriff’s office in Middleburg, Florida.

As you might imagine, spending 67 years in Green Cove Springs introduced him to a cast of local characters who often became his best friends, and even when they did not, produced a lot of adventures, misadventures and colorful stories. Everyone will remember Jay for those stories, and for his good spirits and generosity in the community.

A graveside service is scheduled for Monday, February 10, 2020, at 11:00 a.m., Hickory Grove Cemetery, Highway 16 West (Idlewild Avenue) in Green Cove Springs, with a reception to follow at Hickory Grove Baptist Church at 310 S. Oakridge Ave. in Green Cove Springs. Pastor Russell Franklin will officiate. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jay’s life.

The family thanks the doctors, nurses and other health care professionals that cared for Jay during his illnesses. The family gives special thanks to Vanette Knudsen for her friendship, commitment, love and care of Jay and Sheri.

In lieu of flowers, Jay would have wanted you to donate to Safe Animal Shelter, 2913 County Road 220, Middleburg, Florida 32068, in honor of his beloved dogs and cats.