- Date Of Birth: September 27, 1923
- Date Of Death: January 24, 2014
- State: Idaho
Jay S. Amyx, former Mayor of Boise, Idaho passed peacefully away on Friday, January 24, 2014 at age 90 from complications resulting from a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him. Jay was born on September 27, 1923 to James Samuel and Annie May Amyx in Decatur, Texas. He attended school in Ponder, Texas, and during his high school years, he discovered a love for cars, which would continue to be an interest throughout his life. After graduating from high school, Jay joined the Air Force, where he learned the skill of becoming an electrician. Jay married Martha Louise Ratts on December 24, 1945 and in early 1946, moved from Texas to Boise, Idaho. They raised 5 children, Gordon, Martha “Kay”, Duane, Lucretia and Don.
Jay had compassion for people, and was always willing to stop and help someone in need. He had a strong desire to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with all people, so he and his wife, Martha served on numerous Mission trips , traveling to Russia, India, South Africa, Egypt, China, Viet Nam, Peru, Mongolia, Kenya, Poland and Turkey,
Jay’s love of traveling took him and Martha to many countries as well as all 50 states.
Jay had a passion for antique and classic cars and joined the Horseless Carriage Club where he and Martha were members for 15 + years driving his 1914 Model -T. In addition he enjoyed collecting antique and classic cars.
In 1966, Jay became the youngest elected Mayor of Boise, and the first to be elected to a four-year term. During his two-term tenure as Mayor, he was instrumental in developing the first stage of the Boise Green Belt, Assisting with Boise Junior College becoming Boise State University, acquired the property and began the construction of the new city hall, ground-breaking of Firebird Super Oval, involved in the action plan for city planning and urban renewal, he broke ground for the Boise Art Gallery/Museum, and bringing companies to Boise such as Hewlett-Packard.
With all of Jay’s accomplishments, the most important thing in his life was his family.
The family of Jay wishes to offer thanks to Willow Park Assisted Living and Valley View Nursing Home for the care of Jay for the past 4 years. The many Doctors, nurses and CNAs made sure he was comfortable and cared for on a daily basis.
Jay is survived by his wife Martha, 5 children and in-laws: Gordon Amyx, Martha “Kay” and Tom Cox, Duane and Cheryl Amyx, Lucretia and Tim Bollinger, Don and Beti Amyx, his sister Louise and Lloyd Stine, 16 grandchildren, and numerous great grandchildren.
