John “Jay” Ensley, 73, a resident of Sedro-Woolley, passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack at his home on Saturday, September 21, 2013.
Jay was born on April 8, 1940 in East LaPort, North Carolina, the son of Alvin & Dessie (Dietz) Ensley. He was raised and attended school in both Jackson County, NC and Lyman, WA until the family settled in Lyman in 1950 where he attended grade school. He then attended and graduated from Sedro-Woolley High School with the class of 1958.
Jay enlisted into the U.S. Army after high school, serving his country for 3 years and was stationed in South Korea.
On September 14, 1962 he was united in marriage to Aldine Madison at the old Lyman Baptist Church and they made their home in Sedro-Woolley.
Jay worked for over 27 years for Skagit County Public Works, working in various capacities until his retirement in 1989 as Skagit County Public Works Director.
Over the years, leisure time found Jay camping with his wife, daughters and grandkids, horseback riding, fishing, panning for gold and tying flies which he tried out in numerous lakes and streams. After his retirement he and Aldine enjoyed traveling and purchased a 5th wheel travel trailer. They spent many years traveling the United States. Some of his favorite travels included fishing in Jackson Hole, watching the sunsets in Arizona and visiting family in North Carolina. When they returned to Sedro Woolley full time, Jay bought a couple horses which he enjoyed riding in the high country and helping with cattle drives in Eastern Washington. But his greatest joy was being with his two grandchildren, Parker and Jacinda, whom he took to school most everyday and they spent many afternoons together. His family fondly remembers his whistling, singing of hymns and their time spent together.
Jay is survived by Aldine, his wife of 51 years; his daughters, Jozette Ensley of Edmonds and Jaydine Rana of Sedro-Woolley; his grandchildren, Parker and Jacinda; his nephew, Garry Ensley and wife Cari, their sons Joshua & Jacob, as well as numerous cousins (in both North Carolina and Washington), and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Alvin Ray Ensley.
Funeral Services for Jay will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2013 at 11:00 AM at the Faith Baptist Church, 800 E. Rio Vista Avenue in Burlington with Pastors Jim Shaw and Steve Fish officiating. Private interment will be at the Lyman Cemetery. A time of visitation will be available on Tuesday and Wednesday from 9am to 5pm at Lemley Chapel in Sedro-Woolley. The family requests that any memorials be made in honor of Jay to “Parker’s Heart Transplant Fund” at Skagit State Bank which was set up to support his Grandson’s upcoming heart transplant needs.