Jay’s life began on July 2, 1959, in Goshen, Ind., the son of James E. Plank Sr. and Juanita M. (Vanette) Plank.

He was employed as a welder fabricating racing trailers.

Jay enjoyed watching NASCAR. He is survived by: his children, Tina (Michael) Woolsey of Dowagiac, Kim Howard of Dowagiac, Jason (Jessica Flowers) Polmanteer of Muncie, Ind., Lynn Kiper, Jonathan (Yuko) Weatherwax and Gavin Plank, all of Three Rivers; his companion Betty Best of Three Rivers; 13 grandchildren; one great-grandchild and two on the way; sisters, Joan (Jerry) Haley of Marcellus and Joyce Plank of Three Rivers; brothers, James (Bev) Plank of Constantine and Jody Plank of Three Rivers; and several nieces and nephews.

Jay, 50, passed away on Wednesday, June 2, 2010, at Three Rivers Community Hospital.

He is preceded in death by: his parents; his wife, Shirley; and a sister, Janice Dolph.

His family gathered with friends on Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Yazel and Clark Chapel, where his funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday led by the Rev. Bob Anderson of the Three Rivers Church of the Nazarene.

He will be laid to rest in White Pigeon Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to his family in care of Tina.

Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Jay at www.yazel-clark.com.