JAY ALLEN WARE
Jay Allen Ware, age 74, passed away on November 14, 2025. On August 28th, 1951, Jay was born to Kenny and Melva Goss Ware. Jay was competitive from the get-go; he made sure he was born first and was just a few minutes older than his younger twin sister Janice (although she swears, he was only born first because she kicked him out).
From an early age Jay was a daredevil, leveraging his natural athletic ability excelling in every sport he participated in. While attending Pleasant Hill High School Jay excelled in basketball, track, and football; still holding two school records to this day. Jay received full ride scholarship offers to play football from KU, K State and MU. Jay made the decision to bleed black and gold and be a MU Tiger.
As an adult Jay spent too many days to count playing golf at the Country Club, which led to Jay achieving six hole in ones. Jays’ love for sports never waived, he remained an avid fan of the PHHS Roosters (even with his son Travis playing for the Harrisonville Wildcats), MU
Tigers, KC Royals and Kansas City Chiefs.
Jay worked for United Telephone Co and for Mo Dot. Jay retired multiple times from Mo Dot but would find himself going back to work when they needed help.
On September 3, 1982, Jay married the love of his life Karen, she preceded him in death on November 22, 1997. Jay is survived by his son Jayson Travis Ware (Carrie) of Deepwater, MO. Granddaughter Maddie and Great Grandson Zavion of Pleasant Hill, sister Janice Hook (Charlie) of Blue Springs and many other friends and family.
Jay was preceded in death by his father and mother Kenneth & Melva Ware, his beloved wife Karen Ware and sister Joni Mabary.
Graveside services for Jay Allen Ware will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, November 24, 2025 at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery with Pastor David Noble officiating. Casket Bearers will be Travis Ware, Jim Hull, Rick Graham, Mark Sharp, Brian Goodall, and Michael Francy. Honorary Bearers are Jim Quinn & Charlie Hook.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Pleasant Hill Athletic Booster Club.
7 Messages
RIP Jay, i really enjoyed all the chats we had about sports.
My condolences to Jay’s family. I, as many of his former teammates, have many great memories of Jay and his exploits on the gridiron and court. Jay was an gifted athlete and fierce competitor. #5 was our lead running back on the 1966 P Hill team that was 9-0 and ranked as one of the best teams ever in Missouri high school history. Jay once scored 40 points (I believe that is still the school record) during the 67-68 basketball season in which we set a school record for the most victories in a single season that still stands today. Jay was an All-State first team selection in both football and basketball. He could do it all. RIP Jay.
Dean, I agree with you. As a young lad who followed your teams very close, I remember running the track when Jay took off with the football just to see if he scored on the other end of the field. You guys were awesome to watch. You Dean, Jay, Mike Wilkerson, Wayne Steele and others on that team are admired to this day. We as Roosters 🐓 always did our very best to be as good as you guys were. I think all 4 of you guys made it to Division 1 football, what an accomplishment from the small town of P Hill. Janice and family, praying that all of you celebrate the life of Jay always. People in P Hill will never forget our Friday nights watching him play football and basketball…
we are going to miss you grandpa, may you rest. we love you forever 💙
Jay was one of a kind, a great friend to my mon and stepdad Buster and Linda Saling. He truly will be missed I hope they are all having a beer and catching up.
Jay was a great friend & Co-worker, he and I worked together at MoDot, We also had some great time together at the casino.
REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND
I’m a Classmate.Yes he was our Class Sportsman. My thoughts are with you today and in the days ahead Jan & Family.May your Memories give you comfort. RIP JAY
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