Jay (John) E Pryor

Jay (John) W. Pryor Jr. of Montrose died Oct. 30, 2015, at his home in Montrose, CO, after a 14 year battle with heart disease.

Jay was born to John and Lois Pryor in Grand Junction, CO on February 16, 1942.  He graduated from Grand Junction High School in 1960 and immediately enlisted in the U.S Army.   He married Phyllis Peterson in 1961; together they had three children, Lori, Roy and Dina.  In 1975, he was united in marriage with Diane Pryor and in combining families, they had 6 children.

Jay enjoyed working and he spent his life in various types of construction.  He logged and built many of the roads in the mountains of Colorado.  Some of his most memorable areas are Taylor Reservoir, Land’s End on Grand Mesa, Hanks Valley on the Uncompahgre, and the beach and campground at Ridgway Reservoir.     He started his career at the family business, the Pryor Sawmill, until it sold in 1980.  He then formed a partnership business, P&S Construction, with his best friend from high school, Bob Sparlin.    Bob and Jay have been together as friends, business partners, and neighbors for over 56 years.  Jay also spent several years working construction for Home Land Security, on the Arizona Mexico border.  Recently, at age 72, Jay retired from the Grand Mesa Uncompahgre Gunnison National Forest Service.

Jay loved to spend time with his family hunting, fishing and camping.  Jay also loved watching and cheering on the Broncos.  He was a member of the Elks lodge for over 36 years.

Jay is survived by daughters Lori  (Dan) Maguire of Montrose, Dina Jones of Grand Junction; son Roy (Danette) Pryor of Montrose;  step-daughters Kim English of Montrose, Kindra Marts of Kellyville, OK; and step-son Kyle Rose of Montrose;  11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.   He was preceded in death by his parents and grandson Jason Lasher.

There will be a viewing for Jay to be held at the Crippin Funeral Home Chapel, Wednesday, November 4, 2015 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. There will be a celebration of life Thursday, November 5, 2015 at Crippin Chapel at 3:00 pm. Cremation will follow after the services. In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to HopeWest Hospice in Montrose, CO at 725 S. 4^th Street, Montrose, CO 81401; or V.A. Clinic in Montrose at 154 Colorado Ave, Montrose, CO 81401. Arrangements are under the care of Crippin Funeral Home.