Jay Walter Tuggle, 84

Jay Walter Tuggle, 84, of Almont Michigan, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2025 in Spring Hill, Florida after a courageous eight year fight with cancer. After retirement he found joy in both the sunshine of Florida in the winter and beautiful landscapes of the family farm in Almont, MI

Born on July 28, 1940, he was raised on the Highpoint Farm which is now the Ford Proving grounds. Jay married his high school sweetheart Nancy and built a life together in Almont for 64 years.

Jay was a “builder” not only of grain bins, buildings and other structures but of relationships with his friends, employees, customers and the community. Jay’s legacy is defined by his devotion to fostering strong connections wherever he went. Whether he was working alongside of his long-time business partner and dear friend Gary Winterton in their nearly 50 year partnership in T & W Construction Inc., mentoring the next generation of leaders or having morning conversations with his coffee buddies Jay’s influence reached far beyond the construction sites or farm. Jay was also a partner with his brother Jerry with C.E Tuggle & Sons farm that they started in high school with their parents Charlie and Wilma Tuggle.

Jay would tell you that he had no time for hobbies, but was a passionate supporter of FFA and always had time for that. He believed deeply in the value of helping others grow both personally and professionally. His commitment to empowering youth and supporting educational initiatives through FFA left a lasting imprint on many. He donated countless hours to FFA and loved watching kids flourish in the program. He served on both local and state FFA foundation boards. As a young adult, he became part of the Kellogg program through Michigan State University. Jay was a part of 30 young farmers from Michigan that completed a 3-year program that taught leadership in the agricultural field. The program started on the state level in year one, nationally in year two and finally in year three, they traveled around the world teaching modern farming techniques to farmers of 3rd world countries. He has been a part of this group since 1965 and enjoyed the company of this group of men (and their families) each year at a reunion since the program ended over 56 years ago.

He loved their “River” cabin and their second home in Florida not so much for the destination but for the friends he met along the way and the memories made together.

Jay Tuggle is survived by wife Nancy (Sloan) Tuggle, son, Phil (Lisa) of Ithaca, daughter Laura (Mark) Bourgois of Almont, brother Jerry (Marlene) Tuggle of Dryden, grandchildren Andy (Katie) Bourgois, Al (Brittnay) Bourgois, Kayla (Nic) Wiseman, Paige Tuggle and Great grandchildren, Charleigh, Henley, Lilli, Benny, Parker and Jack.

The Celebration of Jay’s Life was held on Monday, February 3 at The Muir Funeral Home & Celebration of Life Center (2650 South Van Dyke Road Imlay City, MI 48444.)

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Lapeer FFA Alumni Association.

Be sure to share a fond memory on Jay’s Memorial Page at www.muirfh.com