James S. Gay, 75, of New Castle passed away peacefully Monday morning, July 29, 2024, in Shenango on the Green, New Wilmington.

Jimmie was born September 28, 1948, in New Castle, a son of James S. Markley and Helen (Murray) Markley Gay. Following the passing of his paternal father, Helen then married James S. Gay and adopted Jimmie and his siblings. He graduated from New Castle High School in 1966 and enlisted in the U.S. Army.

A proud veteran, Jimmie served active duty for three years during the Vietnam War, which included serving a year abroad while stationed in Long Binh, Vietnam, achieving the rank of Sergeant in the II Field Force Unit. After returning home, he served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1970 to 1973.

For 28 years, Jimmie worked as a youth development aide at New Castle Youth Development Center (YDC), retiring in 2006. He previously worked at the Rockwell International Spring Division.

An avid golfer, he also enjoyed listening to music, particularly Motown and the Beatles. Jimmie was a charismatic man who told great stories and had a gift for lighting up a room.

In 1971, married the former Regina Godinez in Bisbee, AZ, and together they raised four children, Yolanda Gentsy, and Jackie Slade (Kelvin), all of New Castle, Richard Gay (Gretchen), of Lancaster, SC, and Angela Navarro (Armando), of Grove City, PA.

Jimmie later married the former Karen Sabino in 1999, and she had two daughters, Michele Roth (Steve), of New Castle, and the late Lori Roth.

In addition to his children, Jimmie is survived by nine grandchildren, Jordan, Alyssa, Anthony, Gabriella, Antonio, Adan, Andres, Ariana, and AJ; and four step-grandchildren, Gio, Danielle, Deanna, and Jenna; a host of great-grandchildren; two sisters, Carol Manenti (Tony), of Durham, NC, and Gail Matteo (Frank), of New Castle; two brothers, Gary Gay (Mary) and Richard Gay, all of New Castle; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of cousins.

Jimmie also leaves behind his three best friends, Jeff Withrow, Joe Hamed, and Tom Altman.

Jimmie was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Regina; his second wife, Karen; and a stepdaughter, Lori.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be directed to the Pittsburgh Wounded Warrior Project, 600 River Ave Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA 15212; or online at: support.woundedwarrioproject.org.

A blessing service will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday (8-1-24) followed by military honors conducted by the New Castle Area Honor Guard, both in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 111 W. Falls St., New Castle.

Calling hours will be held immediately following from 4:45 to 7 p.m. in the funeral home.

Interment: St. Mary's Cemetery, Union Twp.