Obituary of Dr. James Clayton Gay

Dr. James Clayton Gay

September 26, 1938 - August 15, 2024

Born in Moriis, MN to Clayton and Eleanor Gay. Graduated from Morris High School in 1956, graduated from University of Minnesota with doctorate in Metallurgical Engineering. While at the U, played tennis and on the MN Rugby Team. Married Joyce Nelson on June 13, 1964. Worked at Reserve Mining in Silver Bay, MN, had two sons while in Silver Bay, Clayton Andrew and Jeremy James. Moved to Woodbury and welcomed another son, Chadwick Chester. Taught tennis to both adults and children in Woodbury and was on the Parks commission. Jim worked for North Star Steel/Cargill until he retired at the age of 54. He volunteered at the Science Museum, the Warner Nature Center until it closed and Lake Elmo Nature Center. Jim did bird counts every year for the Audubon Society. He was an avid bicyclist and runner, completing several marathons. Jim was in Memory Care at Woodbury Estates since June, 2023. He will be missed by many. Memorial Service, Monday Aug 26, 2024, at  Lutheran Church of Peace, 47 S Century Ave, Maplewood MN 55119 visitation 10-11AM, service at 11AM, Lunch at 12PM Memorials to your favorite charity or to his beloved church, Lutheran Church of Peace, 47 S Century Ave, Maplewood MN 55119 or U of M Morris, Scholarship fund under Clayton & Eleanor Gay, c/o Nadia Lauer, 600 E 4th St, Morris MN 56267.