ARCADIA, Fla. — Jay L. Kauffman, 96, of Arcadia, went home to be with his Lord, Jan. 21, 2018.

Born Feb. 27, 1921, in Elkhart, to Ray D. and Margaret (Roderick) Kauffman.

Jay was a great husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents, Ray D. and Margaret Kauffman; and by three wives, Margaret, the mother of his three children, Nova Wolford and Mary Jane Collins; a brother-in-law, Russel Ecclestone of Irvine, California, and a stepson, Harry Wayne Wolford.

Jay is survived by his beloved wife, Betty Kauffman.

He is also survived by his sister, DeVere Ecclestone of Irvine; his daughter, Nancy Rae Kauffman of Vietnam; sons Kim (Becky) Kauffman and Kevin Kauffman, both of Elkhart; stepchildren Sharon (Phillip) Stemes and Earl (Wilma) Wolford of Elkhart and Sherri Gabel of LaGrange, North Carolina; 19 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter; several nieces and nephews; a special sister-in-law, Nancy Inbody of Goshen; and a special brother-in-law, Jerry (Rosie) Davenport.

Jay was enthusiastic with life itself.

He loved and served the Lord.

Jay was proud to serve in the U.S. Navy in World War II on the USS Heermann, DD532.

Jay worked for New York Central and Penn Central railroads in Elkhart, retiring after 42 years of service.

He was also a lifetime member of the Masonic Temple.

A celebration of life for Jay will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 16, at Prairie Street Mennonite Church.

Afterward the procession will go to Prairie Street Cemetery on Hively Avenue in Elkhart.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Tidewell Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238 or Strolling 4 a Cure, 5221 NE Sandy Road, Arcadia, FL 34266.

Respectfully, the family of Jay 'L' Kauffman and Billings Funeral Home.