Jay M. Reed

January 2, 1973 - March 1, 2022

Jay M. Reed, 49, of Galesburg, passed away with family at his side, on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, 3:39 AM at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg. Jay was born on January 2, 1973 in Galesburg. He was the son of Aaron Reed and Shirley Jo (Westbay) Placher. Jay is survived by his parents, Jo (Rick) Placher and Aaron (Audrey) Reed; siblings, Ryan Reed of Knoxville, Chance (Melissa Simmons) Uhland of Galesburg; step siblings, Cammie (Adam) Heald of Orion and Raynor (Miranda) Bourlet of Colorado; his maternal grandparents, Bud and Bonnie Westbay of Knoxville; paternal grandmother, Kathy Reed of Indiana; nieces and nephews, Quincy, Jordan, Colten; step nieces, Lauren and Leah; and aunts and uncles, Chuck Westbay, Steve Westbay, Betty Westbay, Ardith Conley, Chris Reed and Larry Reed. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents and special cousin, Logan Cummings. Jay attended Valley schools. He was a very spiritual man and was baptized in the Methodist faith. Jay loved the outdoors, especially camping, riding his four wheeler and working his horse. He was an avid athlete in school, he played football, basketball, baseball and track. Jay loved music, and watching comedy movies. Jay always looked forward to his visits with people, especially his buddy, Quincy. He was the most loving, and forgiving person, who had the softest temper and never got angry. Jay is a peace now and will be missed greatly by those who loved him. Jay’s kindness and love will live on through his donation with the Gift of Hope program. Visitation will be from 11 AM – 12 PM on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes and Crematory, Knoxville. Funeral service will follow visitation at 12 PM. Burial will be at the Knoxville Cemetery. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes and Crematory have been entrusted with arrangements. Memorials may be donated to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or to the activity fund for Yonker Court. Expressions of sympathy may be left to the family at www.hurd-hendricks.com.