Jay Lane Huff, 59 was born to Lt. Col. Leo and Greta Huff at Fort Hood in Killeen, TX on January 16, 1958.  His earthly life ended December 15, 2017 at Barnes Jewish Hospital from abdominal sarcoma cancer.

Jay grew up in Springfield and was a graduate of Glendale High School (1976) and Drury University where he obtained his degree in Criminal Justice.

At 16, Jay joined the Greene County Sheriff Department's Search and Rescue Explorer post. He was a huge fan of the popular 70s TV show Emergency. Both influenced the conversation he had with his high school career counselor that he wanted to be a paramedic; however, southwest Missouri had no paramedic program.  In 1978, Jay became the third licensed and practicing paramedic in Springfield. At 22, Jay and a business partner formed Springfield Paramedics, a private ambulance service that was the first in Springfield to offer paramedic response 24/7.

August 23, 1982 Jay began his academy training as a Police Officer with the Springfield Police Department (SPD). After 26 years of dedication, late night police work, and emergency management, Lt. Jay Huff retired from the SPD.  He spent two years with Springfield Public Schools Police and six years as Assistant Director of Safety and Transportation with Missouri State University, and retired for the final time in June 2016.  Throughout Jay's career he was a man of integrity, commitment and team work.

Jay was an only child with no siblings, aunts, uncles or cousins. On September 10, 1983 he married June Kleiboeker and instantly gained a loving, supportive family of in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Daughter Adrienne and son Austin were the joys of his life. Many of his happiest moments were spent in the bleachers cheering on his children's sports teams.

Jay loved road trips, camping, ATV riding and fixing things.

He is survived by June, Adrienne and Austin.  His parents preceded him in death.

Jay was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church.  He served on the Board of Directors for Redeemer, Springfield Lutheran School and Metro Credit Union.

Funeral service will be held Wednesday, December 20th at 11:00 am at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2852 S. Dayton.  Visitation will be at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home Tuesday, December 19th from 5-8 pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to Springfield Police Foundation Fund at the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, cfozarks.org in memory of Jay.