It is with tremendously heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jay Dean Nickelson, 40, a beloved son, endearing husband, phenomenal father, and timeless friend. He departed this world September 19, 2024.
October 12, 1983, Jay was born to Oren and Diana (Keith) Nickelson in Hill City, Kansas. Even before he was old enough to walk, Jay was able to captivate the masses with his dimpled grin. He and his older brother, Jarrod, would eagerly explore the farm and embark on exploratory outings any chance they had, often causing their mother to panic. As Jay grew older, so intensified his ornery nature and sense of adventure. He would brave nature and spend hours playing outside, making friends with wildlife, including his childhood pet racoon, Sammy. Diana taught Jay to dance at an early age. This led to a love of dancing and many polka turns around the dance floor for years to come. Even at a young age, he was a favorite among his peers. He could talk anyone into joining his causes or nefarious shenanigans, convincing others by means of contagious grin and infectious laughter. He would share stories with classmates and friends about the farm, especially about his pets and the many rattlesnakes. He participated in little league wrestling and made it to the State Championship in 1996. He brought immeasurable joy to those around him, always finding ways to create fun and mischief, even in the most inappropriate places (just ask his schoolteachers).
Jay’s teenage years continued with laughter, adventure, and a love for life that never waned. He was also a great pole vaulter, earning second place at the Kansas State Track Meet his junior year of high school; unfortunately, his senior season was cut short when his pole broke, resulting in a broken ankle. Jay also exuded pride for his high school ride—a ’79 Bronco that he hoped to restore someday. Overall, Jay enjoyed being among friends and family. He often reminisced about the many fun ski trips he took. To be honest, most of the stories cannot be safely shared in a public setting today. However, these stories were always best told by Jay.
In 2002, Jay graduated from Hill City High School and went on to complete the Power Lineman program at Pratt Community College in 2004. He was then and remains today a favorite among the masses.
Jay shared a profound bond with both Diana and Oren, whom he lost in 2004. These relationships shaped his values, instilling in him a strong work ethic and a determination to live life to the fullest. His passion for farming and cattle was evident from an early age; he cherished the opportunity to build a farming and cattle operation alongside his mother on the very land that has been in the Keith family for generations. Jay and Diana had a special relationship not just as mother and son but as friends and business partners, up to the very end.
An avid motorcyclist, Jay was a proud member of the self-proclaimed SHOZNBOX gang, where he shared countless exhilarating rides and unforgettable memories with friends. Additionally, his commitment to community was showcased during his decade-long service on the Graham County Fair Board, where he helped create memories for many, particularly during the annual Tuff Trux events. He helped others in their time of need, and he brought people together – oftentimes through animated sarcastic storytelling and acts of kindness.
Jay was a wild one no one would ever settle down until he met the love of his life Whitney DuBois in late 2008. Jay and Whitney shared many fun memories with friends, bike trips to Sturgis and Colorado and countless weekends running wells, checking cows and country cruising. The two were married in a beautiful one-of-a-kind ceremony at the family farm June 6, 2015. Jay was full of charm, always quick to give loving compliments, and more than a few smart ass jokes to Whitney, always knowing how to make her smile.
Together they created a loving family. Jay was a wonderful father to their three beautiful children: daughters Kimber (7) and Remington (6), and son Gatlin Oren (2), Jay took immense pride in his children, always eager to share the values and traditions that shaped his own life. Teaching them the joys of country living, he instilled a strong work ethic that would guide them through their journeys. Every step of the way, Jay navigated life with humor and sarcasm; even at the most inappropriate times, he would delight those around him with jokes that only Jay could formulate.
Whether it was ranger rides to check cows, visiting friends that are more like family, or simply enjoying the beauty of the farm, he cherished every moment spent with his family. His legacy will live on in his children as they carry forward and practice his valuable lessons of hard work, resilience, and simple pleasures of rural life.
Although Jay never seemed to be in a hurry, as he always had time to converse with everyone, he was passionate about his work and was a true perfectionist at heart. Jay believed that if something was worth doing, it was worth doing right.
This dedication to quality was evident in every aspect of his life, including his farming and cattle practices, every straight fence line on the cattle working barn he built in 2017, after visiting 10+ barns to get his plans just right, of course. Jay farm, the corrals he built and welded, and the amazing also ran a successful oil pumping business in Graham, Sheridan and Gove Counties. His quality work paying off with new wells being offered on his very last day.
His social nature drew people to him; he never hesitated to lend a helping hand to those in need, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he encountered. His personality matched his one-in-a-million smile that was punctuated with dimples and glimmered with kindness. He lit up a room simply by being in it. His dimples often got him both in and out of trouble. Jay’s presence was always uplifting; his joy for life, appreciation for simplicity, and his love for family and friends made him one of a kind. There will never be another like Jay, but his actions and memory will inspire others to move and act as he did—with unwavering kindness, genuine character, and vibrant spirit.
Jay was preceded in death by his father Oren Dean Nickelson and his older brother Jarrod Nickelson, his father-in-law, Dave DuBois, and a niece Danielle DuBois. Jay is survived by his loving wife, Whitney; his three beautiful children, Kimber, Remington and Gatlin; and his mother, Diana Nickelson, all of Penokee; mother-in-law Tami DuBois, and Vance; nieces and nephews Corgan, Caine, Cope Nickelson, Abby, Madi, Aubrey, and Drew DuBois; Teigen, and Grayson DuBois. He is also survived by countless friends and family who were blessed to know him.
Jay took immense pride in the farm wanting the important events in his life on this sentimental ground. Following Jays’ wishes, he will be laid to rest in a private burial service in the pasture overlooking the farm that he had worked so hard for.
The family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the first responders whose kindness and compassion did not go unnoticed and provided comfort during a difficult time. We also want to thank our dear friends and neighbors who came together to finish baling Jay’s hay; your generosity and support have truly exemplified the strength of our community. Your generosity and support have truly exemplified the strength of our community. We are grateful for every one of you.