Jeremiah “Jay” Thomas Beckley, age 49, of Lebanon, Missouri, passed away suddenly on March 26, 2024. He entered this life on September 10, 1974, in Phoenix, Arizona, the son of Susan (Mills) Wilson. Jeremiah was joined in marriage on October 4, 2014, to Christine Shinault.
Jeremiah defined family, whether you were born into it, met along the way, or you were a friend that became family. If you were lucky enough to make it into Jeremiah’s circle you were forever blessed, and you knew you were loved.
He was a loving husband and father, the best big brother, stylish and awesome uncle, beloved son, proud Papa Jay, and a genuine friend.
Jeremiah had a strong faith and had proudly accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He was baptized on Super Bowl Sunday in 2013 along with his girls: Sabrina and Rachel.
He met the love of his life in 2011 and they were married in 2014. They were like two puzzle pieces who fit together perfectly. A love story meant to be.
Jeremiah was very proud of his family and loved them deeply. He showed them his love through encouraging words, actions, and sharing his time with them. Be at family gatherings, holidays, birthdays, anytime there was a reason to get together with family he did. Jeremiah enjoyed cooking, especially new recipes. He had a zest for life and had many interesting hobbies which included playing fantasy football, following March Madness, driving (fast) in his Mustang, and cruising in his boat listening to music. He had big plans for future trips.
Jeremiah had a passion for tech and IT. He had a thirst for knowledge and wanted to pursue a career in tech or banking.
He was a man of few words, but he didn’t need to be. His mere presence was enough. Jeremiah was full of wisdom and with a smile or a nod, he reassured us all.
He was always anticipating the needs of others. If someone so much as thought or spoke about needing anything, even as simple as a toaster, the next thing you knew you had multiple links to help you find what you needed. Jeremiah was kind, encouraging, and a helper.
He was caring and dependable and often stopped by unexpectedly to check on his mom and to spend time with her. Jeremiah was a goofy dad, but that’s what made him the BEST DAD. He was present and engaged when you were with him, and you knew as his child that he was your champion.
Jeremiah loved his brother Jason. They shared an unbreakable bond and were each other’s first best friends; Jeremiah was not only a protector, but a father figure and he loved his little brother unconditionally.
We don’t think he had any idea how much he meant to us or the impact he had in our lives.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Skip and Bernice Mills; nephew, Darion Beckley; and father-in-law, Christopher Shinault.
Jeremiah is survived by the love of his life of over 12 years, Chrissy Beckley; four children: Sabrina Beckley and Lexi, Jared Beckley and Sthefany, Rachel Doublin and Kaleb, and Matthew Brown and Marisa; and grandchild, Carter Brown. He is also survived by brother, Jason Beckley; two sisters-in-law: Michelle Beckley and Jackie (Gary) Porter; mother, Susan (Pat) Wilson; mother-in-law, Jackie Velde; five nieces and nephews: Taylor, Brittany, AJ, Elizabeth, and Logan; and four fur babies: Roscoe, Griffin, Blackie, and Patches.
A memorial service will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, April 6, 2024, at the Laclede County Shrine Club, 204 N. Madison Ave., Lebanon, Missouri.
Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks.
