September 2, 1937 – March 26, 2025

Jay O. Jenkins passed away peacefully in the early hours of March 26, 2025, in Montrose, Colorado. He was born in Wallace, Nebraska on September 2, 1938, and was the only child of Francis and Elaine Jenkins. When Pearl Harbor was bombed, Jay’s father enlisted in the navy. Jay’s mother took him to live in California with relatives so that she could also help with the war on one of the many production lines. After the end of the war and the family’s reunion back in Wallace, they were off to their forever home and long life of entrepreneurship.
At the age of 9, Jay arrived in Granby, Colorado. His father and Great-uncle started the Granby Trading Post the summer of 1948. The business was a success, and the Jenkins family set down roots in Grand County that continue today. A huge part of the long successful run of the Trading Post was Jay’s addition to the business after earning a Business Administration degree at Western State College in Gunnison in 1960. He not only earned his degree at Western, but he also met and married the love of his life in Gunnison.
Jay and Thelma (Toots) Jenkins married on August 15, 1959 in Gunnison. Toots taught school their first year of marriage while Jay was finishing his degree. Upon his graduation, they packed up with baby number one on the way and headed to Granby. Jeffery Scott was born that December and Paula and then Tim shortly after. Jay was devoted to his family, the family business, and also his community and took civic responsibility very seriously.
Many organizations benefited from Jay’s involvement and commitment. Some to highlight include, the Kawanis, the Elks, the Shriners, The Town of Granby Town Council and the Masonic Lodge. Jay was never prouder when Governor Roy Romer asked him to serve on the statewide Governor’s Small Business Council. Jay also knew how to take care of his community and did so in many quiet ways. Never did a kid in Grand County go without a winter coat, hat, gloves and boots if Jay knew of a child in need.
In the fall of 1994, Jay and Toots ended the legacy of the Granby Trading Post and began their years of adventure as retirees. After relocating to Montrose in 1995, Jay built a fishing pond on his property not only for his own grandchildren, but for all the kids of Montrose. Annually he would invite kids and host a fishing derby. Stringing lines, untangling poles, baiting and landing fish, the smiles on the little one’s faces was pure joy to his heart. To say he fished a lot during his retirement is a gross understatement. Fishing made him happy, but it was just a part of the adventure.
Traveling was exciting for them as well. Alaska, Ireland, Spain and Italy were some of the highlights of the trips. For decades you could find Jay and Toots setting up house during the winter months in their beloved Port Aransas, Texas. Of course, fishing was a draw to that area, but they grew to think of PA as their second home. The coastal town drew them in in the 1970’s and their last trip was December 2019. Through it all, family was his most precious accomplishment in his life.
Growing up an only child, Jay was determined to have a big, grounded family of his own. His children, grandchildren and great-grands brought him the most joy of his life. His heart filled with love when he spoke about the legacy he would leave behind. He took all 5 of his grandchildren fishing and a couple of them have inherited his passion for it. He followed them in their own pursuits and was so proud of each of them and marveled on the amazing people they have grown to be. Jay leaves behind a legacy of love and family.
Jay was proceeded in death by his parents, his son-in-law, Jason Swenson and daughter-in-law, Elisa Jenkins. He is survived by his life partner and soulmate of nearly 66 years, Thelma (Toots). He is also survived by his three children, Scott Jenkins, Paula Swenson and Tim Jenkins. Surviving grandchildren are Bo (Ashley) Jenkins, Matthew Jenkins, Kayla (Dylan Meints) Jenkins, Eric (Zephani) Lee and Tyler Lee. Eight great-grandchildren are also survivors to continue his legacy.
A celebration of Jay’s life will be held on April 25, 2025 at 11:00 at the Ute Indian Museum Chipeta room, Montrose, Colorado.