Jay Bufton

On July 22, 2016, after a valiant, God-honoring battle with cancer, Jay Farley Bufton realized to a full extent the beauty and magnitude of Christ's death and resurrection as he entered into eternal life with His Heavenly Father. Jay was born on November 7, 1963, in Peru, Illinois. He accepted Christ as his personal Savior at the age of 12. Later, moving to Winona Lake, Indiana, Jay enjoyed living on Winona Lake and attending Bethany Christian School in Goshen, Indiana. An avid sports fan, Jay actively participated in baseball, basketball and soccer all throughout his school days, and then went on to Cornerstone University to play baseball, basketball and soccer as well. After graduating, Jay moved out to Simi Valley, California, to work at Allied Bendix as a buyer for sonar tracking devices. While in California, Jay and Denise were engaged and then married on July 28, 1990. Jay and Denise returned to Michigan in 1991, and he continued his education to receive his teaching degree. Upon completion in 1995, he began his 20-year teaching career, teaching P.E. at Big Rapids High School. Other jobs Jay had in addition to teaching were front desk Manager at Riverview Athletic Club, Gus Buster Supervisor for Macker Enterprises and sales representative at Image Builders Marketing. He also volunteered at NorthPointe Christian Schools as the Sports Booster President. Jay continued pursuing his passion for sports as a coach of many teams including: soccer and basketball coach at Grand Rapids School of Bible and Music, basketball coach at Big Rapids High School, basketball coach at Sparta High School, baseball coach for Flames Baseball and Diamonds Baseball, elementary and middle school basketball coach at NorthPointe, and finally assistant baseball coach at NorthPointe Christian High School. Jay loved to mentor his students and athletes; teaching them more about what's important in life than how to play a sport. Jay and Denise were blessed with 3 children, Becca, Dana and BJ. His kids were his pride and joy and he was highly involved in their lives, attending concerts, plays, and hundreds of sporting events. He truly left a legacy for them to carry on. Jay and Denise were members of West Cannon Baptist Church for 22 years. In 2015, the family began attending Ada Bible Church. Jay was a true "people person." He gained energy from being around others and was usually found talking it up with any one who would listen. He had a true heart for others and wanted to make sure that people were comfortable around him. He had the gift of hospitality and giving. His energy, smile and sense of humor were infectious to those around him. This was never so evident as during his recent hospital stay. Doctors, nurses, and hospital personnel enjoyed taking care of him and grew to love him as well. Visitors streamed in and out of Jay's hospital room, and he entertained them all even when he was in pain. Jay's true passion in life grew exponentially while fighting cancer. His relationship with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, became closer and dearer. His goal each day was to share the love of Christ with those who entered his room, with a joke, a prayer, or a smile. He was a friend to many, but Jay and his wife, Denise, were best friends and each other's one true love. Both being teachers, they were able to spend school vacation days, snow days and all of their summers together. Married 6 days shy of 26 years, they packed a lifetime of love into a short span of time. Jay was preceded in death by his Grandparents, John and Olive Bufton; Carlo and Irma DeRango; Father-in-law, Joe Crawford, Granddaughter, Gracelyn Markle, and uncle, Jay Bufton. He leaves behind his wife, Denise; children, Becca, Dana, BJ and Don; his parents, Bill and Jean Bufton; his mother-in-law, Irma Crawford; his brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Sally Bufton; his sister and brother-in-law, Bonnie and Dave Blessing; his bother and sister in-law, Dan and Nicole Crawford; his brother-in-law, Dave Crawford; his brother and sister in-law, Doug and Kathy Crawford; his sister and brother in-law, Deb and Jim Peterson; his brother and sister in-law, Don and Kara Crawford; his brother and sister in-law, Daryl and Beth Crawford; his Aunt Gerry and Uncle Marvin Winterfeldt; his aunt Jeri DeRango; his aunt, Debbie DeRango; his uncle and aunt, Karl and Ruth Crawford; his aunt and uncle, Carolyn and Howard Smith; his aunt and uncle Carolyn and Sonny Wilde, his aunt Isabel Paul; along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Jay will be dearly missed by his family and friends. But we rejoice in the hope that because of Christ, we will be reunited one day to enjoy eternity together. Visitation will be Monday and Tuesday, from 5:00 - 8:00 PM at Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 1601 Post Dr. NE. The Celebration of Jay's life will be held 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at West Cannon Baptist Church, 5760 Cannonsburg Road. Those wishing to donate to the Bufton family can do so at any Lake Michigan Credit Union location under the account #buftonstrong. Envelopes will also be available at the visitation and service. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Jay Farley Bufton please visit our Sympathy Store.