Jay Victor Wakeland

Revelation 21:4- “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain…”

Born on September 17, 1948 in Rochester, Indiana. Jay Victor Wakeland, known as Jaybird or Wake to his family and friends, passed away on November 14, 2025 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka of Respiratory and Cardiac Arrest.

He graduated from Plymouth High School in 1967 and went on to honorably serve in the United States Navy HA(L)3 Seawolves as a Door Gunner and Crew Chief in Vietnam for which he received the Navy Commendation with V for Valor.

Jay married his high school sweetheart, Pam Vinall on September 19, 1970. As a father, he taught his two sons how to provide and care for their families while also encouraging them throughout their life choices. His selflessness and willingness to lend a hand are characteristics that will be remembered by family and friends, along with his strength, humility, and unconditional love.

A jack-of-all-trades, Jay will be affectionately remembered as a visionary craftsman. His skill set was exemplified through the two family homes he built, where laughter and love resonated across generations. He also had a passion for starting new hobbies like creating a golf green to PGA specifications in their backyard, a two-sided 500-gallon saltwater fish tank, and enjoyed restoring cars along with his latest building of a micro sprint racecar for his grandson. Jay also found enjoyment in running: finishing 13 marathons along with numerous triathlons – a testament to his relentless determination and athleticism. Jay also had the honor of being a member of the original Marshall County Dive Team, an experience that he was extremely proud of. He also attended a Monday Night Veteran Support group in which he was the driving force behind seeking out other Veterans in need of emotional support.

Jay will be sorely missed by his wife of 55 years, his children, Joshua Wakeland and Jared (Kari) Wakeland; grandchildren, Taylor, Timmy, Andrew, Addy, and Nolan; along with sisters-in-law, Peggy and Karen; and many cousins, nieces and nephews that he also loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mearl and Margaret Wakeland, and his siblings Doris, Gary, Bob, and Judy.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025 from 11AM-1PM at Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth, IN 46563. A memorial service will follow at 1PM with Pastor John Wilson officiating along with Josh Wakeland. Military honors will be rendered by the United States Navy and the American Legion Post 27. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to garysinisefoundation.org.