Jay Emerson Householder Sr.

Jay Emerson Householder Sr., 93 of Calcutta, Ohio, our loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather (Pap) peacefully went to be with the Lord on March 15, 2024, at Crossroads at Beaver Creek surrounded by his loving family. Jay was born on Dec. 25, 1930, the son of the late Arthur and Jetta (Lawrence) Householder. He loved life and his family even more. He sacrificed throughout his life for his family and was very proud of them.

Jay attended Irondale High School and was a graduate with the Class of 1949. In 1951 Jay joined the Air Force and proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict as Staff Sgt. and also received “Airman of the Month” at Greenham Common Air Force Base in Newbury England. Jay also attended Warrensburg State Teachers College in Missouri, as well as the Ohio Valley Business College.

Jay held many positions throughout his working career, most notably he served as a Recorder at Crucible Steel before retiring in 1982. He then joined his sons at Householder Plumbing and Rosebud Sanitation, working side by side with them where he imparted his strong work ethic and values. Jay was instrumental in the formation of both of his sons’ successful businesses. Additionally, he was the proud owner of Shadybrook Mobile Home Park and several rental properties in the area. Despite very humble beginnings, Jay was never afraid of a challenge or taking risks in order to better his family’s lives.

A devoted family man, Jay cherished his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was most content when he was surrounded by them. His commitment to his faith was evident through his long-standing membership at Newell Christian Church, where he faithfully served as an Elder for 36 years, Chairman of the Board, as well as other leadership positions. In his later years, he found solace and community at First Christian Church in Chester. Jay was a strong man of faith throughout his life, who raised his children in church as well. Jay worked very hard throughout his life. Jay was always setting an example for his children and grandchildren. He always encouraged them to believe in themselves and to always do their best. He always had words of wisdom to give, and amazed everyone with his photographic memory when he would recite poetry, quotes, and scripture. He had a unique sense of humor and especially enjoyed sharing funny and inspirational quotes. One of his favorite quotes was’No one can predict how high you can fly, not even you, yourself know, until you spread your wings.’

Jay loved sports and played basketball and football in high school. He also enjoyed boxing with his younger brother. He even played basketball in England while serving in the Air Force. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren at sporting events. Jay also had a passion for cars, especially antique cars, that he shared with his son Jay Jr. Jay could name models and years of most antique cars.

Along with his parents, Jay was preceded in death by his wife and soulmate, Donna Whaley Householder. Jay and Donna spent 60 years together, raising their family and making special memories until her passing in 2012. Jay is also preceded by his siblings: Naomi Swickard, Cecelia Thomas, Dwight Householder, Arthur Scott Householder, and his grandson Dominic Speziale.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are: his four children: Karen (John) Speziale, of Myrtle Beach, S.C., Diane (Javad) Khosravi, of Missouri City, Texas, Jay (Joy) Householder Jr., and Kevin (Melissa) Householder, both of Calcutta, Ohio. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, whom he adored: Emily (Bruce) Stacey, Sarah Householder, Stephanie (Eric) Fisher, Andrew Householder, Benjamin (Lindsay) Khosravi, Christopher (Kaitlin) Khosravi, Alan (Sohini) Demo and Matthew Jay Speziale; great-grandchildren: Camden Householder, Theodore Jay Stacey, Rohan Demo, Ayan Jay Demo, Sophia Demo, and Arden Fisher.

Visitation to honor Jay’s life will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2024 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Martin Chapel of Care Funeral & Cremation Specialists. The Funeral will take place on Friday, March 22, 2024 at 11 a.m. Jay will be laid next to his wife in Columbiana County Memorial Park. The Tri-State Burial Group will be present to accord military honors.

We would like to especially thank the kind staff at Crossroads for treating our precious father with dignity, respect, and love. They always made their “Jaybird” feel special.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Jay’s name to: First Christian Church-Chester, 330 Indiana Ave., Chester, WV 26034.

3/20/24