West Rupert, VT-Jay E. Wilson, Jr., 96, of West Rupert, passed away Monday evening, September 19, 2016 at the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington.

Jay was born November 28, 1919 at home in West Rupert, in the house he resided in his entire life, and was the son of the late Jay E. Wilson, Sr. and Calista Morehouse Wilson.

He attended school in West Rupert through the 8th grade, after which he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during World War II.  Jay worked on the Lourie Farm in West Rupert, for the Town of Rupert and served as Road Commissioner for many years.  Jay also owned his own plumbing & heating business, working for over 50 years, in great demand well into his 80's.

Jay served on the Rupert Select Board for 32 years.  His greatest passions were fishing and hunting, the love of which he passed on to his children and grandchildren.  He also kept busy collecting, stripping and selling scrap metal, often commandeering visitors to help.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings, Bertha Roberts, Lillian Carlton, Clara Bentley, Mary Lourie, Clifford Wilson and James Wilson.

Jay is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marietta Rudd Wilson whom he married October 31, 1953; his children, Jay E. "Skipper" Wilson, III and his wife Laurie of Rupert, Timothy Wilson (Marion) of Greenwich and Thomas Wilson and his wife Lisa of Rupert.  He is also survived by 9 grandchildren, Denver Wilson (Sara), Sandra Williams (Russell), Cassidy Wilson, Samantha Wilson (Brian), Jay E. Wilson, IV (Michelle), Kendra Wilson, Patrick Wilson, Thomas Wilson (Heather) & Maggie Wilson; 3 great grandchildren, Wyatt Older, Gage Geraghty & Jay E. Wilson, V and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, September 24, 2016 at the McClellan-Gariepy Funeral Home, 19 East Broadway, Salem.

Interment with military honors will be at the Rupert Cemetery.

A reception and time to visit with Jay's family will be at the Rupert Firehouse following the funeral services.

To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.gariepyfuneralhomes.com