Jay W. Borroughs

Dec. 25, 1921 - Nov. 20, 2004

Jay W. Borroughs, 82, of Arbor Vitae (Minocqua), died Saturday, Nov. 20, 2004, at Wausau Hospital. He was born Dec. 25, 1921, in Jackson, Mich., to Haddon and Ethel (Nee Cox) Borroughs.

Jay spent most of his youth on a dairy farm. He excelled in high school sports, including the Golden Gloves, and attended college on a basketball scholarship.

After college, he went to work for Hein Werner Corp. World War II took Jay to the Pacific area when he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. The first three years he was involved in combat duty and the fourth year was spent as a pilot on dawn and dusk patrol. When the war ended, he gained recognition as a platoon sergeant and returned to work for Hein Werner as their personnel manager and director of industrial relations.

In 1976, he "retired" from Hein Werner to form a consulting business. Jay returned to work as personnel manager and director of industrial relations for Versa Technologies of Racine.

While living in the Pewaukee, Waukesha and Racine areas, Jay distinguished himself by serving on many committees and organizations.

In 1982, Jay and his wife, Barb, moved to the Lakeland area. He owned and operated a store in Lac du Flambeau from 1983 to 1986. He was an active member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church for many years.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara; two sons, Jay (Jane) of Verona and Stephen (Deb) of Shawano; and three stepsons, Jeff (Sallie) Hollow of Franksville, John (Lynn) Hollow of Racine and Jim (Lisa) Hollow of Racine. He is further survived by 10 grandchildren, 11 stepgrandchildren and three great-grandchildren; one sister, Barbara (Arch) Hoffman of Appleton; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Haddon Borroughs.

A memorial gathering and service for Jay was held Saturday, Dec. 4, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Lac du Flambeau.

Jay would have been 83 years old Dec. 25 - Christmas Day.