Jay Thurin Kimball NE Obituary: It is with shattered hearts and immeasurable sorrow that we mourn the sudden passing of Jay, a fearless soldier, devoted mentor, and loving big brother. His departure has left a hole in our lives that no words can fill. To know Jay was to love him — fiercely, completely, and without condition.
Jay was more than just family. He was a rock, a protector, a teacher, and an inspiration. From the moment we met, from the moment I was adopted, he made me feel like I truly belonged. He wasn’t just a brother by title — he was my guide, my guardian, and my godparent. He took on that role with pride and love, teaching me not just how to live, but how to live right.
I remember every laugh, every memory, every lesson. From getting hit with paintballs as kids to deep late-night talks about life, love, and becoming a man — Jay shaped who I am. He didn’t just tell me how to be better — he showed me. With every choice he made, every sacrifice, every act of love and leadership, he modeled what it meant to be strong, honest, and real.
Jay served his country with unwavering pride. A true American soldier, he stood for everything that is good and honorable. He faced danger with courage and never backed down from a fight if it meant protecting others. He came back from Iraq not just a warrior, but a humble leader, ready to serve in any way he could. He carried the weight of that experience with dignity, and even when he bore scars we couldn’t always see, he never stopped giving.
But even beyond his military service, Jay never stopped serving — this time, through the hearts and minds of the next generation. Coaching wrestling became more than a passion; it was a mission. Every kid who stepped on the mat with Jay didn’t just learn how to grapple — they learned how to believe in themselves. They learned about discipline, respect, and pushing through pain. He was more than a coach. He was a father figure, a role model, a protector — just like he was for me.
You could see it in their eyes. Those kids didn’t just look up to him — they loved him. And he loved them right back. He gave them everything he had, just like he did for everyone else. Jay didn’t believe in doing anything halfway. He gave his all — every time.
There are so many moments that flood my memory. I remember the day he came back from Iraq — the relief, the pride, the tears. I remember working side by side on the farm, laughing in the sun, learning things I’ll carry with me forever. I remember our talks about life, guns, and dreams. And most of all, I remember the way he made me feel safe — like nothing could ever go wrong as long as he was around.
Now, I face this world without him — and I don’t know how to do that.
Jay wasn’t just my big brother. He was my role model. My guide. My person. He was a giant in my eyes — strong, smart, hilarious, fiercely loyal, and full of heart. I used to look at him and think, If I could just be a quarter of the man he is, I’d be proud. That hasn’t changed.
I want the world to know what we lost — and what we had. Jay was one of the great ones. The kind of person who didn’t need to talk himself up because his actions spoke louder than words. He was a man of principle, grit, and deep, deep love. He showed up. He stood tall. He never gave up. And he never stopped believing in people — especially those he called family.
And now, as I sit here wishing I could trade places with him, as my heart screams to God, Please, take me instead, I know Jay would never have allowed that. He was selfless to the end. He bore the weight of others so they didn’t have to. And though I’m angry, heartbroken, and lost, I know what he would want — he’d want me to carry on. To be strong. To keep living, keep loving, keep showing up.
He would want all of us to carry his torch — the one lit with honor, sacrifice, and love
To the Family and Loved Ones of Jay,
There are no words big enough to capture the grief we feel over Jay’s passing. There’s no script for this kind of heartbreak. Jay wasn’t just a man — he was a hero, a mentor, a big brother, and a friend to so many. His strength, his kindness, and his presence touched more lives than we can count.
Jay lived a life of honor — not just in uniform, but in the way he carried himself every day. He showed up. He loved hard. He protected fiercely. He taught us how to fight, not just on the battlefield or in the wrestling ring, but in life. To stand for what’s right, to protect those who can’t protect themselves, to lead with heart.
To those who knew him as Coach Jay, thank you for loving him back. To the kids who looked up to him — carry what he gave you into the world. That’s how we keep his legacy alive.
To his family — I see your pain, and I stand with you in it. I share in your sorrow, and I thank you for sharing Jay with the rest of us. He made me a better man. He made countless lives better.
Jay’s fight is over now. He has found rest. But ours continues — carrying his light, his lessons, and his love forward into a world that desperately needs more people like him.
Rest in peace, big bro. I’ll love you until the day I see you again. You may be gone from this world, but you will never, ever be gone from our hearts.
Forever your little brother.
