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Jay LaRue Brinker, Jr., 84, of Mill Hall, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.
Born on March 30, 1942, in Clarion County, he was the son of the late Jay L. and Ethel Dunkle Brinker.
Jay was a 1960 graduate of Rimersburg High School and continued his education at Clarion University. Following his education, he proudly served his country in the United States Army from February 1962 until February 1965. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Specialist Fifth Class, having served as a Radar Technician with the Nike Hercules and Air Defense Battery.
On April 1, 1967, Jay married the former Janet R. Hays, who survives.
Jay spent 17 years employed by Piper Aircraft before pursuing his entrepreneurial interests. He went on to own and operate Brinker Outdoor Adventures for 14 years and later drove coach buses for Susquehanna Transit.
A man of faith, Jay was a devoted member and former lay minister of East Main Street United Methodist Church and later Dunnstown United Methodist Church, where he continued his involvement in the church community.
Jay had a lifelong passion for wrestling and was an avid wrestling fan, serving as a former president of the Mat-Town Kids Wrestling Club. He was also a loyal Pittsburgh Steelers fan and enjoyed spending time playing cards at the STEP Center.
Above all, Jay cherished his family and especially enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, proudly cheering them on whenever he could.
In addition to his wife, Janet, he is survived by two sons, Jeff (Bethany) Brinker, of Lock Haven, and Joel (Kristi) Brinker, of Spring Mills; three siblings, Harold (Dianna) Brinker, Bob (Brenda) Brinker and Penny (Bill) Young; 14 grandchildren, Philip (Laura), Daniel (Ella), Micah, Abigail, Nathan, Isiah, Emily, Timothy, Ben and Jordan Brinker, Kayleigh and Logan Jones and Aidan and Ellie Brinker; and six great-grandchildren, Beau, Isla, Rhodes, Chayden, Clara and Cayde.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Gary and Craig Brinker.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, Nov. 16, 2026, at 1 p.m.,. at the Donald G. Walker Funeral Home, Inc., 231 High St., Flemington, with Rev. Bill Klebe officiating.
Friends and family will be received at the funeral home on Monday from 11 a.m. until the time of service.
Burial with Military Honors will follow at Jersey Shore Cemetery in Jersey Shore.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made through the funeral home to Dunnstown United Methodist Church or Disabled American Veterans.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.donaldwalkerfuneralhome.com.