John Paul “Jay” Gilley, 60, of Hutchinson, passed away July 17, 2026, at his home. He was born March 15, 1966, in Hutchinson, to John Neal and Judith Ann (Ray) Gilley.

Jay graduated from Nickerson High School in 1984. He worked for Royer Brothers Tree Service for over 20 years before retiring as a heavy equipment foreman.

Jay believed in the value of hard work, whether tending his garden, tackling a project, or lending a helping hand. He was generous with both his time and his heart. Jay enjoyed giving garden produce, eggs, and other necessities to those who would enjoy them. He also had a knack for collecting “treasures” of all kinds and loved to engage in conspiracy theories. But most important to Jay was his family, making sure they were cared for and knew how deeply he loved them. Jay leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, generosity, curiosity, and unwavering dependability. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Jay is survived by his loving wife, Angie, whom he married on October 19, 2014.

Also surviving are his children, Alex Gilley (Matt Newton), Marc Garcia (Sarah), Martina Drinnen (Dylan), Zachary Gilley, all of Hutchinson, Jenna Garcia (Dalton Loos) of Wichita, Kjersten Lloyd of Kansas City, MO; grandchildren, Aubree Garcia, Amelia Garcia, Cameron Garcia, Graysen Stevens, Gabriella Stevens, Granger Stevens, Javier Drinnen; mother, Judy Jay (Floyd) of South Hutchinson; brother, Jerry Gilley (Leslie) of Hutchinson; sister, Jamie Smarsh (Terry) of Ewa Beach, HI; uncle, Jeff Gilley (Sandy) of South Hutchinson; and many extended family members.

Jay was preceded in death by his father.

Cremation has taken place.

Memorial service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Elliott Chapel.

Friends may sign his memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday thru Friday at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorial donations may be made to John Gilley Memorial Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501. (To benefit the memorial fund, please make checks payable to Elliott Mortuary).