John "Jack" Day

John (Jack) Wesley Day passed from this life on November 17, 2025. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was born in Seattle, Washington on September 10, 1935 to Evelyn Taylor Day and William Earl Day. John grew up in Olympia, Washington where he excelled at basketball. After graduating high school, he attended Olympia Community College, then transferred to St. Martin’s College where he was a star center on the basketball team. In 2004 he was inducted into the St. Martin’s Basketball Hall of Fame. A few years after graduation, Jack met his beautiful wife, Judy Downing, whom he married on April 19th, 1961. They had two children, Julie and John, Jr. John began his career with the Federal Bureau of Prisons as a Correctional Officer in 1963. His career included many moves around the country with each promotion, culminating with the position of Associate Warden. John spent 3 years working at the Terre Haute Federal Penitentiary in Terre Haute, Indiana. In his free time, John enjoyed watching his son play high school basketball and football at Terre Haute South Vigo. John retired from the Federal Bureau of Prisons on December 31, 1985 after 22 years of service. He and wife Judy then moved back to Olympia, Washington where he began a second career as Bailiff for the Washington State Supreme Court. He retired from that position after 10 years. Once officially retired, John and Judy moved back to Terre Haute, Indiana near their daughter and her family. John and Judy lived 25 years in Terre Haute enjoying time with their family including watching 4 grandsons play sports through college. John also enjoyed reading, watching action movies, attending local sporting events, and visiting his son and family in Alabama. He especially enjoyed spending time every summer with his family on Lake Martin, Alabama. In 2022, John’s beloved wife of 59 years passed away. He moved to Assisted Living in Auburn, Alabama near his son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. John will be very missed by his children, their spouses, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

John W. Day was preceded in death by his parents; his four brothers William, Jr., Richard, Robert, and Michael; his wife Judy; his 3 brothers-in-law Robert Lee, David McConnell, and Richard Downing; 2 sisters-in-law Jonelle Downing Lee, and Jocelyn Downing.

He is survived by his children, John, Jr. (Heidi) Day, and Julie (Pat) O’Leary; Grandchildren, Joshua (Maria) Day, Taylor (Grainger) Shelley, Marc (Amy) O’Leary, Daniel (Ali) O’Leary, Christopher (Jessie) O’Leary, and Matthew (Lauren) O’Leary; 10 great-grandchildren, Patrick, Parker, Paxton, Mac, Bo, Jack, Grant, Ford, Levi, and Baby Girl; and two sisters-in-law, Judy (Michael) Day, and Jan (William) Day.

John will be very missed by his children, their spouses, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

John will be honored at a private family celebration of life.

If you would like to make a donation in memory of John, the family requests that you donate in his honor to: Children’s Harbor, 434 Children’s Harbor Drive, Eclectic, Alabama 36024