Jay Jones

GREENFIELD - DARRELL “JAY” JONES, of Greenfield, IN died on January 25, 2025. Jay was born in 1945 to Paul & Mary (Walker) Jones. He grew up on his family farm & graduated from Hancock Central High School in 1963. He continued his education at Purdue University, earning a B.S. with distinction in Ag Economics in 1967. He was a member of FarmHouse Fraternity & was President of the Ag Econ Club. In 1967, he entered the Purdue University Animal Science Department for Grad School & earned an M.S. in Animal Nutrition & a PhD in Physiology/Meat Science. In 1972, he became an Asst. Professor at Auburn University, where he taught & conducted research for 3 ½ years in the Dept. of Animal & Dairy Sciences. He served as faculty advisor to the Block & Bridle Club & Auburn’s FarmHouse Fraternity. In 1975 Jay not only married the love of his life, Brenda, he gained a precious 4-year-old daughter - Michele, who called him “Bear”. Michele got a baby brother, Scott in 1977. Jay started his career with Eli Lilly & Co providing sales, support & research for Elanco in new product development. Jay retired from Lilly/Elanco after 27 years. Jay & Brenda were blessed to spend the next 20 winters at their home in Surprise, AZ with family, friends & a second church family. Jay, along with family & friends had season tickets to Purdue football for 35 years & attended many bowl games. He also loved IndyCar racing & attended 48 Indy 500s, creating a family tradition for his kids & grandkids. Jay tracked down his dad’s 1959 John Deere 730 tractor and convinced the owner to let him buy it even though it was not for sale. With the help of his long-time friend Burl Carmichael, he restored it to pristine condition & exhibited it at the Indiana State Fair for 17 years. Jay served as an usher for many years at Mt. Comfort United Methodist Church and Brookville Road Community Church. He & Brenda enjoyed serving the underserved at the Hancock County Food Pantry. Jay’s priorities in life were his faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior, his family & friendships. Survivors include wife Brenda of 50 years; daughter Michele Rau (Todd) of Greenwood, IN; son Scott Jones of Roswell, GA; grandchildren Jake Coffey (United States Army), Jaylyn Coffey (University of Tennessee) & Colton Jones (5th grade); siblings Paul Junior Jones, Susan Hine & Jerry F. Jones. Jay was preceded in death by his parents Paul & Mary Jones, sister Marjorie Beyers, & brothers-in-law, Joe Beyers & D. Steve Hine. Visitation will be at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory, 1484 W. US Hwy. 40, Greenfield, IN 46140 on Friday, February 7th from 4-7pm & Saturday Feb. 8th from 10-11am with funeral service beginning at 11am. He will be laid to rest in Mendon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Brookville Rd. Community Church (https://www.brookvilleroad.cc/give) & The Hope Center Indy (www.hopecenterindy.org). Friends may share a memory or condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com.

Jay Jones

October 18, 1945 - January 25, 2025