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Jay Dee Scroggins, 16, of Gillette, died at his home March 10.
He was born July 1, 1960, to Ed and Elaine Scroggins in Great Bend, Kansas.
He later moved with the family to Gillette where he attended Campbell County Schools. He was very active in sports and loved to compete.
He took part in track, swimming, cross country, and lettered in wrestling.
He attended the Baptist Church.
He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Scroggins; one brother, John, of Anchorage; three sisters, Mrs. Shirley Manous, Mrs. Debbie Hoy, and Mrs. Diane Toolen, all of Gillette; his maternal and paternal grandparents and many other relatives.
Funeral services were conducted from the Westside Baptist Church of Gillette with Rev. Merle Wadley officiating. Services were Monday, March 15, at 10 a.m.
Burial was in Mt. Pisgah Cemetery in Gillette.
Noecker Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
---Gillette News-Record
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Allen Todd
I remember the day Jay died. I went over to talk to his mom the next day. I had the sad job of cleaning out his locker. Don White and I were pallbearers. I don't remember who the others were. I had to drive the pallbearer car because I was the only on in the group that was 16. His death effected me for the rest of my sophomore year.Duane Ekwall
Jay was probably the first person who actually talked to me in school when I first moved to Gillette in the 9th grade. I thought he was a little off the wall but funny. We remained friends until his death mainly just saying hi in the hallway. It's a shame that sometimes life in high school becomes so busy that we end up not having time to spend with great people like Jay. I was very sad the day I had heard about his death back in high school. I have thought about him many times and was sure he found the peace he was looking for. He was a very fun person to be around in the short time that I knew him.Connie Taylor (Trecazzi)
Jay was fun and funny. Study hall was never boring with Jay there. I was stunned by what happened. I didn't see how troubled he was until he came into my science class one day and people were making fun of him. I didn't understand it and still don't. His death has always influenced the way I treat others.TammyLou Solomon
I remember Jay as being a really nice guy and having fun to hang out with and the other people that were hanging out with us. When Jay died I was devastated to hear about his death and wish there was something I could do or even could of done to pevent him from doing what he did. I have taken a single red rose to his grave a couple of times to honor his memoryBrad Andrews
Jay lived next door to my best friend in Carsons trailer park and Jay was a friend. I wish I had been a better friend to him.Paul Gates
I spent alot of time with Jay and there are many times over the years that he has been in my thoughts. He was a true friend and I was totally stunned by his death he could always make someone laugh when times were tough I only wish he would have asked some of us for help.Vanda Toohey (Cathey)
Like everyone, I was shocked to hear that Jay was gone. He was always great to be around and very funny! I talk to his mom once in a while as well as one of his sisters. Sadly, many have chosen this path, as Jay did, for the same reasons. We need to always guard our words and actions. I am sure he would have made a wonderful man.I hope to see you again someday Jay. Love, Vanda
Diana Parnell (Statzula)
Jay lived across the street from me. He was a good friend. On snow days, we would have snowball fights in the street. In the 9th grade the art teacher (can't remember his name...didn't like him) was mean to Jay and then sent him to the office. I was so angry. I think it was me, Barb S and Chaili walked out of class and went to the principals office to let them know what happened and that Jay didn't do anything. Got suspended for 3 days as a result and I was very happy about that! Hung out with Jay!! I felt numb the day he died. I have asked myself so many times what I could have done. I didn't know. I felt like I should have known. I have missed him. Love you Jay. DianaRicky Duncan
Jay and I became close friends from the first day I met him, its the kinda guy he was. His death changed me. I was also one of the pallbearers at his funeral, my second experience of losing a close friend at a young age. I can still picture Jays big glasses, wide smile and funny laugh > most likely we were up to something we should not have been doing. Rest in peace my friend.David Swingle
I was one of those quiet/shy guys that had few friends for many years. Jay was one of those friends. He was just one of those people who had to be everyone's friend, even mine. Jay would always find me in the hallway or classroom and make it a point to say "Hi Dave! How's it hangin?" I would just bust out laughing every time. Jay was the original social butterfly. He had so much energy--so full of life, he just couldn't stand still. Jay found Mr. Hudson's art class too constraining. He was always "pushing Mr. H's buttons" to entertain the class. Jay was always the class clown or the room's true "shining light". He brightened the room.Jay's death was a shock. I walked several miles across town, to and from his funeral services that day (my first). I've visited his grave at Mt. Pisgah countless times over the years...I've always held Jay's memory and his love for life/people close to my heart for all of these years. Jay was my friend who'd lost his way. Still missing you, Jay. See you soon.