James “Jay” A. Holzworth

James “Jay” A. Holzworth, 61, passed away peacefully at home on May 11, 2013, after a short battle with cancer.

A celebration of life potluck in honor of Jay is at 4 p.m., May 18 at the Never Forget AmVets Post 11 (next to Lowes).

Jay was born Aug. 8, 1951, in Worland, Wyo., to Jim and Betty Holzworth.

Jay was raised on a sugar beet farm and raised hogs; that was the start of his love for anything with a motor. He moved to Alaska in October 1980 and made his home in the Mat-Su Valley, where he worked for several construction companies. Jay loved life, friends, cooking and the many challenging jobs he did. He had a great sense of humor and was always good willed. He had a positive outlook on each new day and his life story would fill a large book. His favorite pastime was watching NASCAR, drag racing, motocross and, of course, riding his Harley-Davidson.

Jay was member of Teamsters 959 and Never Forget AmVets Post 11. His friends were numerous and he loved them all.

Jay was preceded into God’s merciful realm by his parents, James “Jim” and Betty; and his older brother, Dean, who died while serving his country.

His brother Mike wrote: “I have known Jay to have always said “God Bless” to many and along the way “... smile, it is comforting.”

He is survived by his loving wife, Carlyn; the mother of his children, Daniela; sons, Dana and Patrick; daughters, Katarina and Rebecca; grandsons, Kale and Izaak; granddaughter, Marlie; and brother, Mickael Blonski.

Arrangements cared for by Valley Funeral Home and Crematory.