Jay D. Starr Sr.

Jay D. Starr Sr. passed away on May 8th, 2024 surrounded by his family and friends. Born on September 21st, 1954, to Mary and Ray Starr, he was raised on the Starrdale Farm (est. 1970) in Callahan's Corners on property that has been in his family since 1645. As a truck driver, Jay spent most of his career on the road traveling throughout the country and memorizing how to get from place to place. This was a skill that proved its usefulness as anytime he caught wind that someone was traveling, he would outline, turn by turn, the best way to get there with precise accuracy and picturesque views. Although, his work had brought him many places the family farm is where he would always return and where he most loved to be. It was there that he hosted his wedding, raised his family, celebrated holidays, lived most of, and finished out his life.

Jay was a firm believer that a good day should never be taken for granted and that you should save mundane activities, or those you would rather not participate in, until it rains. Growing up his time was spent doing chores on the farm, working with his three brothers, father, grandfather, and great grandfather to ensure all was taken care of. After a hard day of harvesting hay or corn, Jay and his brothers could be found enjoying a dip in the pool to cool off, having dinner with their parents, wrestling, or simply causing mayhem together (of course with lots of laughs). It was this upbringing that fostered his sense of humor, incredible work ethic, love for the outdoors, and dislike for horses.

Jay always had an appreciation for the intelligence of animals and found entertainment on how they could catch on to and learn new things. In the late 1960s Jay could be found training "Bucky" the bull to play 'Buck the Hay Bail" – a game where they would pass the hay bail back and forth. In his adult years, Jay would enjoy attending fairs watching the pigs race for Oreos with his children, betting on which would win, and wondering if it would be possible to train the pigs he raised on the farm.

It was the simple pleasures in life that were most important to Jay. Spending time with his family, watching TV, watering the animals, riding on his tractor, or spending time hunting, fishing, or laughing with his best friends (Jim & Jimmy). He disliked school, a mundane activity that wasted good days, although he did graduate from Ravena Coeymans Selkirk in 1972, alongside his brother Ray. It was a point of pride that he graduated without completing an ounce of his own homework assignments, as he would convince the girls in school to do them for him. His charming personality knew no limits.

An avid lover of the show Dinosaur, Jay had acquired quite the catch phrase, training his daughter, at the age of 2, to say "Not the Mama. Just the Papa." A life goal of his was to ensure that all the family's children were trained to say this phrase, and he ensured that he personally trained all nieces, nephews, and grandchildren to repeat after him. "Not the Mama. Just the Papa" became a constantly echoed sentiment in the Starr Family household. This was not Jay's only point of humor – whenever someone new would meet the family he would ask for permission to "take the gloves off" which meant that you became free game for whatever hi-jinx he had in store. When grandchildren came around "Pop Pop" (lovingly called this due to his love of popcorn) was constantly laughing, playing, and joking. He loved spending time with them, taking them on tractor rides, walking them around the farm, and of course sneaking snacks when no one was looking (yes this includes the dogs too). His favorite gifts to give were snacks that mom wouldn't buy, juice boxes, candy, and his favorite – Jax.

True to himself until the end Jay caused rippling laughter, cracking jokes at his family's expense and working for as long as he could outside. Jay ensured that just as he lived his life on his terms, his ending was also just that, a chapter that was dictated by him. He is survived by his children Crystal, Jay Jr., and Jessica (husband Ryan); grandchildren Xavior, Skylar, Ciara, and Jack; brothers Ray (wife Judy), Mark (wife Ellen), and Gary (wife Katrina); and all his nieces & nephews who he loved very much. Jay was predeceased by his parents Ray G. Starr and Mary Starr.

Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial visitation on Friday May 17th, 2024 from 5:00pm – 7:00pm at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie NY 12205. Memorial Donations may be made in Jay Starr Sr.'s honor to the National Young Farmers Coalition or the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation.