James "Jay" Lee McCoy, 75, of Hamel, passed away on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at his residence.
He was born on May 30, 1951, at Camp Le Jeune, NC, the son of LaVern James and Coleen (Dodd) McCoy. Jay married Jeannie Harty in Meadowbrook in 1983. She survives.
Jay worked in construction as a carpenter for LJ McCoy Construction until his retirement. Jay was of the Catholic faith. He was the first baby born on the Camp Le Jeune Base. He enjoyed fishing in bass and crappie tournaments, hunting for deer and arrow heads, archery, and bowling. Jay was also one of the founding members of Edwardsville Anglers Fishing Club. He loved the time spent with his family and friends.
Along with his wife, Jeannie, he is survived by his children, Angela Behme (William Watson) of Worden, Shane (Debby) McCoy of Bethalto, Vince Redman of Meadowbrook, and Kimberly McCoy of Hamel; siblings, Denis (Sherry) McCoy of Edwardsville, Janelle McCoy of Dorsey, David McCoy of Edwardsville, and Cheryl Meikamp of Edwardsville; grandchildren, Christopher (Kyrsten) McCoy, Dylan Redman, Nicholas Behme, Brooke Behme (Beau), and Blake Watson; great-grandchildren, Stetson McCoy and Rhett McCoy; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Daniel Kevin McCoy; a son-in-law, Doug Behme; and a nephew, Shawn V. McCoy.
The family will host a celebration of life at a later date. Per his wishes, cremation rites were accorded by Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto.
Memorials are suggested to the Moose Lodge in Edwardsville.
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
