Perry "Jay" Joseph McKinley's Obituary
Perry “Jay” Joseph McKinley, born October 4, 1956, in Portland, Oregon, passed away on December 24, 2025, in Tacoma, Washington. He lived his life with a grounded strength, a steady presence, and a deep appreciation for the simple, honest things that made him feel most at home.
Jay served his country with pride in the United States Navy, carrying with him a sense of duty and discipline that shaped the way he moved through the world. Yet beneath that strong exterior was a man who found his greatest peace in the outdoors. He loved the rhythm of a good record spinning, but his heart belonged to open skies, quiet mornings, and the companionship of nature. Bird hunting in wide open fields and fishing whenever he could find water worth casting into were more than hobbies—they were the places he felt most himself.
Among the many memories Jay leaves behind, one shines especially bright for his cousin Shannon. As kids, the whole family would gather at Jay’s parents’ home for Christmas—laughter in the halls, warmth in every room, and Jay right in the center of it all. Those Christmas gatherings that shaped their childhood remain a cherished reminder of the closeness he helped create.
Jay will be remembered for his quiet confidence, his love of the outdoors, and the way he made space for others simply by being present. His absence leaves a stillness, but his memory remains steady—like a calm river, always there for those who loved him.
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