Jay Joseph Woodruff

Jay Joseph Woodruff was born February 19, 1973 to Pam and Joe Woodruff.  Jay grew up in the Cloquet area and was a big brother to his sister Sherry.  From the stories Jay told I think it's safe to say Jay was The Only Hell His Mama Ever Raised.  Jay was not afraid to take a risk and wouldn't back down from a dare.  Jay believed at an early age What Doesn't Kill Us Makes Us Stronger.  Hence the nickname "chainsaw" and we will not bring up what happened to his mom's goldfish on a dare, may it rest in peace.

After high school Jay joined the US Navy.  Jay proudly served his country from December 8, 1994 until March 22, 2002.  While in the Navy Jay received many awards; The Battle Efficiency Ribbon, an award for Good Conduct, a National Defense Service Medal, Two Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, M16 Rifle Marksman Ribbon and a letter of Commendation.  Jay also received many letters of recognition and thanks for services and trainings that he provided to others with serving in the Navy.  Jay was proud to be an American.

After leaving the Navy Jay was Riding Against the Wind may have felt that he was on the Highway to Hell possibly headed to Katmandu as he sped away in his Ford Mustang.  When Jay left California to return to Minnesota, I'm sure that all that was on his mind was Girls, Girls, Girls that he was Too Fast For Love . I can only imagine the many stops he made between California and Minnesota to possibly offer up some Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap or maybe just to Have a Drink on Him .  Along the way Jay took a Shot at Love then said Goodbye and Good Riddance to Bad Luck .

In 2005 Jay was diagnosed with Huntington's Disease.  From 2005 until his death Jay battled constantly a fight he could not win, but wasn't willing to let the sand man call him in.  Jay moved to his final home in Pine Island, MN on October 22, 2012.  Jay was never one to back down and stood up for what he believed in. Jay was Like a Rock proud of his Stiff Upper Lip .  Jay was a very strong willed and determined man that wasn't willing to take no for an answer and never accepted being told he couldn't do something.  Jay loved his family with all his heart.  He enjoyed family playing a game of dice, or sitting outside visiting with them.  Jay will forever be remembered by the Minnesota State Operated Community Services Pine Island staff as a man with a Fire Inside .  Jay took his last Midnight Ride May 27, 2022.  It is now time to Turn the Page and let Jay Fly to The Angels .

Jay is preceded in death by his father, grandmother and a nephew and survived by his Mother, step father and sister, two nieces, a nephew, two great nephews, and a great niece.

Burial will take place at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, MN on June 1, 2022 at 1pm.