Jay E. Vail passed away on July 12, 2025, at the home of Dick and Barb Robertson in Nampa.

Jay was born on December 20, 1956, in Kankakee, Illinois. His family moved back to Nampa when Jay was a baby, and Jay lived in Idaho most of his life. Jay attended Northwest Nazarene College before graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. He enjoyed a long career in journalism, primarily at the Idaho Press Tribune and Boise Weekly. Jay loved reading and writing and especially writing movie scripts. Jay loved his family deeply. He also adored his dogs. Most recently, they were his "girls", and he was devoted to them and to taking the very best care of them possible. Jay had a quick wit and wonderful sense of humor. He was a wonderful son, brother, uncle, and friend.

Jay is survived by his two sisters, Sandy Cudmore (husband Pat) and Barb Robertson (husband Dick), Marilyn's surviving husband (Joe Daniels), three nieces, two nephews, one grandniece, and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmore and Jeanne Vail and a sister, Marilyn.

Per Jay's request, no service will be held. The family suggests that, if desired, memorial contributions be made in Jay's honor to the Idaho Humane Society. Donations may be mailed to the Idaho Humane Society at 1300 S. Bird St., Boise, ID 83709, Attn: Development. Please include a note stating the donation is in honor of Jay Vail and provide an address where an acknowledgment may be sent. Donations are also accepted online at www.idahohumanesociety.org/donate.