Jay Royce Roth

Jay Royce Roth, First of His Name, Citizen of Paonia, CO, Crafter of Ice Cream and Master of Turf, completed his final lap around the sun and passed away on April 17, 2025, surrounded by loved ones at his home. A Celebration of Life, “Jay’s First Annual Joyful Jamboree” or “Jay Jam” will be held at the Pavilion at Crooked Creek Christian Camp at 2830 Coppock Rd in Washington, IA on May 31, 2025. Visitation will start at 10 am; the Celebration of Life will start at 11 am, followed by a potluck meal for all who wish to attend.

Born in Mt Pleasant, IA on November 24, 1959, to Royce Benji Roth and Eileen Kay (Buzzard) Roth, Jay spent his life growing grass and making sure it stayed green. Jay grew up in Washington, IA but moved to many different areas of the country for his career as a golf course superintendent and never failed to greet the dawn rising over the greens each morning with enthusiasm. He approached life every day with tenacity and found his serenity in Nature, AA and Quakerism.

Jay had a large personality not easily described in words. His unwavering restlessness made him a man of many talents and hobbies. An ice cream experimentalist, seeker of High Points and creator of endless unfinished projects, he never tired of trying new things. Bad dad jokes, heated political debate, and the Iowa Hawkeyes (GO HAWKS!) were highlights of many conversations with him, and you would never find Jay without a carefully curated playlist to define the day. His laughter and wisdom were gifts to everyone who knew him.

Jay is survived by his wife, Margie Roth of Paonia, CO, his children, Adam Roth (Jessica) of Avon, CO, Shaena Roth (Jason Collins) of Paonia, CO, Stacy Thjorne (Christalyn) of Cedar Rapids, IA and Rachael Lightstone of Seattle WA, and siblings Patty Bancroft (Roger) of Montrose, MO and Jerry Roth (Joyce) of Crawfordsville, IA. He is pre-deceased by his parents Royce Roth & Eileen Roth, and brother-in-law Steve Custer.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to DarkSky Colorado or Mennonite Disaster Service, both of which were close to his heart.