Justin passed away peacefully January 3rd, 2026 from complications of cancer. Jay was born November 21st, 1945. 

Jay was the first born of 2 children. Jays parents were Emma and Justin Kirk. They lived in Gallop New Mexico. He grew up helping his father manage an Navaho trading post in the Gallop area. His friends were the native American kids. Jay always had a lot of fun stories to tell about his childhood days. 

Jay graduated from Gallop high school. Jay graduated with his Juris Dr. degree from the law school of New Mexico in 1968, B. S. 1972, Mng engr., from the Colorado School Of Mines. He opened a law practice for 10 years in Grand Junction Colorado. After law school he decided to go to the school of mines in Golden Colorado. He worked for union carbide after graduating from the school of mines. After union carbide closed the doors, Jay was manager for Coral West at Mesa mall until it closed. Jay was a handsome cowboy and well liked in Grand Junction. 

Jay is survived by his brother Kevin and his wife Salome. Jay is survived by His nieces Pilar Kirk who lives in Hawaii and Emma Kirk who lives on the east coast with her child Jameson and husband Milton who is a marine. Jay is survived by many cousins, aunts, and uncles in Gallop and Texas. Jay is survived by his wife Joann Kirk. Jay and Joann had 22 happy years of marriage together. Joann had five grown children when they married. Stephenie Stephenson married to Shannon Hardy, Michael Stephenson married to Dianne Stephenson, Crystal Stephenson married to Floyed Caraway, Jeffry Stephenson married to Angela Stephenson, and Amy Moore. We have 12 grand children and 14 great grandchildren. 

Jay loved each one of the kids. He was so happy to have a large family. Every one of his step children loved Jay too. Jay was always kind and always a gentleman. He will be missed so much.