Jay L. Westmorland, 64, Rock Island, IL passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2026 at his home. There will be a visitation from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM with a memorial service following at 1:00 PM on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island. Inurnment with military honors at Rock Island National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family.

Jay was born on May 3, 1962 to JL and Janet (Kilmore) Westmorland in Langley, VA and the family later relocated to the Quad Cities. After graduating from Alleman High School, he enlisted in the United States Army. He served until 1986, when he was honorably discharged.

On January 15, 1990, Jay married Suzette Comins in Ottawa, Illinois. They made their home in Rock Island, where they raised their family and became active members of the community.

Jay and Suzette were longtime members of the Rock Island Moose Lodge and the Moline Jaycees, where they helped run the haunted houses for many years. Jay was also a founding member of the Defiant Crew Motorcycle Club. He and the club filmed opening videos for Torment at 1200, a haunted house in Orion, Illinois, where Jay took on the character of “Janitor Jed.” He and Suzette also served on the board of the Legion Riders.

For many years, the couple owned and operated Soundwave DJ, providing music and entertainment for countless weddings, high school dances, and other celebrations. Jay enjoyed working with his hands and was a talented craftsman. At home, he built a full bar above the garage, complete with a pool table and dart boards. He also custom-built his motorcycle trike, including a back seat made from car parts.

Jay loved riding motorcycles with his friends, family, and Suzette. Above all, he treasured his grandchildren and cherished the time he spent with his grandbabies.

Jay will be greatly missed by his wife of 36 years, Suzette; children, Jay L. (Savannah) Westmorland Jr., Jenny (Shawn) Shackelford, Will (Grace) Westmorland, Janel (PJ Kirk) Jinkins, Michael (Nicole) Patterson, and Jessica (Dustin) McDonald; grandchildren, Jenna, Jersey, Jagger, and Jayden Westmorland; Elizabeth Aguilar; Jasmine Hodges; Kaytlynn and Jordan Westmorland; Terrence Jinkins III; Patricia Kirk; Michael Patterson II and Nicholas Patterson; Rebecca Smith; Jackilyn McDonald; Aaron Shackelford; and Jessie Brown; two great-grandchildren; siblings, Joseph (Lisa) Westmorland, James Westmorland, and Jonathan (Annette) Westmorland; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

To leave condolences for the family, please visit the guestbook.