Jay Jurrens
March 22, 1965 ~ October 3, 2026
Resided in:
New Hampton, IA
Jay Jan Jurrens, of New Hampton, IA, officially graduated from this life on October 3, 2026, after a two-year showdown with blood cancer. True to form, he went out on his own terms—surrounded by his favorite people, swapping stories, and smiling until the very end.
Friends may greet the family from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 12, 2026 at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton.
641-394-4334.
Jay’s adventure began on March 22, 1965, in Estherville, Iowa, where he landed as number six in a lineup of eight kids born to Donald and Joyce Jurrens. After surviving the 80s and graduating from Estherville High in 1983, he locked down the best deal of his life by marrying his high school sweetheart, Deb, on December 29, 1984. For 41 years, Jay was the ultimate partner and the undisputed anchor of their home. Together, they raised two sons. Jay was the definition of an “all-in” dad, whether that meant tackling late-night homework, running drills in the yard, or being a cheerleader on the sidelines. His proudest achievement was watching his boys grow into honorable men (who finally learned to listen to him).
A guy who wasn’t afraid of a hard day’s work, Jay managed ALCO stores while working his way through college. He then climbed the educational ladder where he went from inspiring students as an English and Business teacher to guiding them as a counselor, before stepping up as the Principal of Emmetsburg High School. He later took his talents to New Hampton, serving as Superintendent for both the New Hampton and Turkey Valley School Districts. Jay’s leadership philosophy was beautifully simple: “just do the right thing.” He led with common sense, a great business mind, and an open heart, always believing in his staff and students.
Off the clock, Jay was a master of the good life. He was a proud grandpa who constantly nudged his grandkids to read more, explore the world, and give life everything they had. He loved sitting with Deb, watching TV and reflecting on their blessed life, usually with his loyal dogs, Berkley and Remi, begging for scraps nearby. Jay loved walking in nature with Deb and the dogs – with a special soft spot for the Black Hills. A master of multi-tasking, he could research on his computer, text on his phone, watch a tv show, and keep up a conversation all at the same time.
You could find him woodworking, gardening, ruling the backyard grill, watching old tv shows, or buried in a good non-fiction book. A true life-long learner, Jay was a serial hobbyist who loved jumping from topic to topic, obsessively learning everything he could about whatever caught his eye. He flew remote-control airplanes for 40 years, gave back through Rotary, and took serious pride in blinding the neighborhood with his epic holiday light display for the Little Light of Mine Holiday Light Display.
Ready to keep his memory alive are his wife, Deb; his sons, Brad (Megan) and Bryan (Heather); his four beloved grandkids, Braxton, Calla, Bowden, and Rayce; and his furry sidekicks, Remi and Berkley. He also leaves behind his siblings, Jean (Dwight), Joel (Vickie), June (Kevin), Jan, Julie (Al), and Jill (Randy), along with a small army of nieces and nephews. Waiting for him on the other side with open arms are his parents, Donald and Joyce, and his sister and brother-in-law, Joan and George.
Jay may have officially graduated from this life, but he left behind a pretty good lesson plan: love your family fiercely, never stop learning, enjoy the simple things, laugh whenever you can, and when you’re not sure what to do next—just do the right thing.
Class dismissed, Jay. You taught us well.
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To the family of Jay, we are sorry for your loss. May the Good Lord shine done on you through this difficult time.
Thank you for your kind thoughts. We are heartbroken but thankful that he is at peace. – Deb and family
I’m so sorry to hear about Jay’s passing. He was always so gracious with his time and I will miss him.
Thanks, Bob, I know he appreciated your conversations. We will all miss him
So sorry to hear of Jay’s passing. We so enjoyed him being in our Little Light of Mine “family”!!! He was so kind and always made seem things so much brighter than we could have ever imagined. He will be greatly missed by our community. RIP Jay🙏🙏😢😢
Thanks for your kind words. He appreciated the LLOM family and enjoyed planning projects for the community. We will all miss him – Deb and family
Such heartbreaking news. Jay was such an incredible asset to our community, and specifically to our Rotary club of NH. You are in our thoughts as you navigate this tremendous loss.
Thank you so much for your kind words. He enjoyed being a part a Rotary and helping the community. We appreciate you keeping us in your thoughts.
Please know how much he meant to me and how deeply he will be missed. Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers as you navigate this heartbreaking loss.
Thank you for your kind post. It is so comforting to us to hear how he affected your life. Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers as we struggle with this enormous loss.
Jay demonstrated dignity and respect. We grieve with you and God bless him in eternity.
Thank you. It is comforting to hear kind words about him and we appreciate your reassurance of God’s blessings.
Jurrens Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I had the privilege of working alongside Jay in different capacities for the last 13 years. I’m glad that in recent years we had the chance to build a real connection beyond our day-to-day work. His dedication to our community and his presence will be deeply missed. ❤️
Thank you so much for sharing your memories. While we are heartbroken, it is comforting to hear kind words like yours.
While we are heartbroken, it is comforting to hear kind words like yours. Thank you
The entire Dupic family wants to express our condolences for the loss of your husband and father. We are heartbroken at this news and will keep your family in prayer now and in the months to come. God bless you. He was a remarkable man.
Rick and Carol Dupic and family
Thank you Carol and family for your thoughts and prayers. He was pretty remarkable wasn’t he – we will miss him.
Jay was a great person to deal with at the NH High School. I know he will be missed by many people.
Thank you for your sympathies. He truly enjoyed his time at NH High school.
The entire Mueller family is deeply saddened by the news of Mr. Jurrens’ passing. He was such a positive influence throughout Mitchell’s high school years, and it was truly a blessing that he later had the opportunity to work alongside him in the IT department. We know Mr. Jurrens will be deeply missed by so many. Please know that the entire Mueller family is praying for you and your family during this incredibly difficult time. May you find comfort in the wonderful memories you shared and in knowing how many lives Mr. Jurrens touched.
Thank you, Sharon, for sharing your kind words. Mitch and Jay did work a lot together and I know Jay appreciated that.
Thank you for your sympathies. Your thoughts are helpful in our time of grief.
Thank you, Don, for your kind words. He really did enjoy his time at Turkey Valley. Your words are helpful as we work through our grief.
Thank you for your sympathies. They are a source of strength as we work through our grief.
I am so sorry to hear this news. We were friends in High School and kept in touch through the years.
Thank you, Jeff, for your condolences. Jay spoke fondly of you and his friends in high school. We looked through the yearbooks recently and had some laughs as he reminisced about the old days.
Thanks you for your comments. He really enjoyed his time in Rotary. He believed it was important to do good work for the community.
We are deeply sorry for your loss; please know we are thinking of you and your family during this heartbreaking time.
Thanks Scott and Libby for your sympathies. It is comforting to hear from you.
Julie and Mike,
Thank you so much for all of your kind words. He (and I) have fond memories of all of the people in Emmetsburg including the both of you. Thank so much for coming to see us at the funeral home. At such a difficult time it is nice to see friends. – Deb
Deb and boys,
I am sending hugs to all of you! I absolutely loved working with Jay! What a good man with an awesome family!
Many prayers for healing and peace.
Sarah Brugman
Sarah – so nice of you to share your prayers for us as we work through our loss. Thanks – Deb
The NICC family is so sorry to hear of Jay’s passing. He truly was an advocate for student success and wonderful to partner with. Jay was a respect leader in our educational system and will be greatly missed. We are praying for you and your family during this time.
Thank you so much for your kind words. Jay was definitely always working to help students to get the best opportunities. – Deb
Julie and Loren, Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. We spend some time recently combing through old yearbooks and talking about all the good times we had with friends like you. – Deb
I was so sad to learn of Jay’s passing, you have my deepest sympathy. Such a warm person with a kind heart and a brilliant mind. I will tell you all what I told Jay on his retirement; During my 11 years in Rotary, knowing Jay and seeing his example has taught me so much about leadership. It was a pleasure to know him and to serve beside him. We all enjoyed his friendship, and we grew as people because we knew him. Your family is in my prayers as you walk these difficult days.
Carrie, Thank for for sharing your kind words. He truly enjoyed his time in Rotary – with all of the people involved and his desire to make the community better. Your words are helpful during these difficult times. – Deb
On behalf of Crossed Signals Model Aircraft Club, we’d like to extend our heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Jay was a valued member of our club for many years, and we will greatly miss his kind, softspoken presence.
Thank you – I know Jay enjoyed being a part of the club. Flying airplanes is one hobby that he had for over 40 years, so it was nice to find like minded friends that shared his interests. -Deb
Deb, I am so sorry to read about Jay. What a great guy! I enjoyed working with him at Emmetsburg Schools and enjoyed “guidance” visits often. Know that I am thinking of You and your Family at this time and for the months to come. Pat Swanson
Pat, Thanks for your thinking us us during this most difficult time. He and I really enjoyed our time in Emmetsburg and we both missed all of the kind people there. – Deb
and prayers.
Claude and Jenifer – Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts. Jay and I have so many good memories of our time at Emmetsburg. It is comforting to hear from friends like you. – Deb
There’s a million things to say, and nothing to say all at the same time. Suffice it to say that Jay saw me for who I was and believed in me all the way through. Without Jay, my career goes an entirely different direction. Lately, I got the chance to work with him on some passion projects. His being LED lighting displays, and mine being fireworks. We finally had the chance to mess them together. Jay will be missed by many, for many reasons. Condolences to the Jurrens family as you navigate this difficult time.
Jason, Thank you for your kind words. Jay was so looking forward to working with you on that project for Christmas. Hearing how Jay affected you only makes us more proud of him. Thank – Deb
Jay was an outstanding community member, teacher, and administrator. His door was always open to his teachers, his staff, and his students. He was instrumental in introducing personal computers to the students of EHS and for many it was their first introduction to the technology. I think he will be remembered as a trailblazer, a a kind teacher, and a thoughtful administrator.
Tony, Thanks for your kind words. Jay did appreciate all that technology could do for education. It helps us in our loss to hear kind words from friends.
Deb and Family,
I was so saddened to hear of Jay’s passing. I can’t express how much he influenced my career when I was a young teacher and just learning the ropes. He was a model of patience and support. I have always believed that having him as a principal in my early years was one of the biggest influences professionally and I am sure my professional path would have looked much different had it not been for Jay. You and your families have my deepest sympathy and I am holding you in my thoughts and prayers. Jill Schany
Jill, Thank you for your kind words. It is so nice to hear how Jay had an effect on the lives of so many around him. – Deb
Deb & Family —
My heart goes out to all of you with the passing of Mr. Jurrens. As my school counselor, later my principal as an E-Hawk alum, and eventually my administrator when I worked as a paraeducator for the Emmetsburg School District, I can’t begin to express the impact he had on me.
Mr. Jurrens encouraged simply “doing the right thing” rather than doing what was expected or what others wanted. He showed me what true leadership looked like at EHS.
As a young student who struggled in school, Mr. Jurrens was always thoughtful in his approach with me. He encouraged me, believed in me, and reminded me to never give up. After spending my entire career in education, particularly in middle school and, more recently, high school special education, I find myself thinking of him often. I realize more and more how fortunate I was to have one of the very best examples of what an educator and leader should be.
Thank you, Mr. Jurrens, for the leadership, example, and kindness you showed not only to me, but to so many others. Your impact reached far beyond the walls of EHS and will continue through the people whose lives you influenced.
To the Jurrens family, you have my thoughts and prayers in the coming days. He truly was one of the best, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have known him.
-Amanda (Carpenter) Bruhn
Amanda, Thank you so much for sharing your post. It is so comforting to hear how Jay affected your life in a positive way. We are grateful for your thoughts and prayers. – Deb
Jay truly cared about students and their families. He made home visits to some to try to help students succeed. He gave money out of his own pocket to help kids in need. As my boss, he intimidated me. But I respected him for the way he cared. He did a lot of good for our schools, our students, and our community. He will be missed and remembered.
Linda, Thank you so much for your kind words. It is so true how much Jay cared about the students and their families. It is comforting to hear how he will be remembered. – Deb
We are so sorry to hear of Jay’s passing. We were fortunate to see you both at the kids activities, even though I could tell how difficult it was for him to be . Our thoughts are with all of you.
Thank you for your thoughts during this difficult time. – Deb
We are so sorry to hear of Jay’s passing. We were fortunate to see you both at the kids activities, even though I could tell how difficult it was for him to be . Our thoughts are with all of you.
Thank you for your sympathies – he really enjoyed his time at Emmetsburg. – Deb
Our deepest sympathy to Deb and her family. Jay will truly be missed. We enjoyed having him be a part of our Little Light of Mine family and will always remember his kindness and those friendly waves whenever we happened to meet while pulling out of our driveways. Thinking of you all during this difficult time!
Gary and Melody,
Thanks for your kind words. He really enjoyed LLOM and working with you to bring joy to the community. – Deb
We are so sorry for your loss Deb and Jurrens family. May God comfort you as you continue to grieve.
Thank you, we are definitely leaning on our faith for support during this difficult time. – Deb
Craig and I send our upmost sincere sympathy to Jay’s family and friends at this difficult time. Craig enjoyed their time together flying rc planes and at the meetings. I had the pleasure of working with Jay for the school elections over the years. He will truly be missed.
Thank you for your sympathies. Jay really enjoyed flying, the airplane meetings, and all of people involved in his hobby. – Deb
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that Deb and family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Sharon, Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers – we really need them during this difficult time. – Deb
Deb and Jurrens family,
You have my most sincere sympathy. I think Jay was such a kind man and one of the best principals that Emmetsburg has ever had. I was honored to have worked with Jay and Deb. May God bless and protect Jay’s families. I will pray for all you in the days ahead.
Dawn, Thank you so much for your thoughts. Jay (and I) really enjoyed all of our years in Emmetsburg – we have such good memories for the people there. – Deb
Rick Meisner
Rick – Thank you for your kind thoughts. It is so comforting to hear how Jay affected the lives of others. He really enjoyed his “work family”. – Deb
Kayla, Thank you for your prayers and wish for peace. Jay was certainly passionate about the students. – Deb
Our deepest sympathies go out to the family, friends, and entire community affected by the passing of Jay. He made a lasting, positive impact on so many lives. The Bird family is so sorry to hear this news, and we hold nothing but fond memories of him from our school days. May he rest in peace. 🕊️
Jesse, Thank you for your kind words. It is comforting to hear that he make a positive impact on the lives of people he knew. – Deb
Sincere sympathy,
Jim, Margo, Spencer and Irelynn Bodensteiner
Thank you for your kind words. It is comforting for us to hear about the person he was – Deb
Deb and family, You have my deepest sympathy. I had the honor of working with Jay on the New Hampton School Board. He was a terrific leader and had a wonderful business sense which benefitted the district greatly. He truly cared about the staff and the success of every student. He will be truly missed.
Joe, Thank you for your kind words and sympathies. He truly enjoyed working with the school board to improve the school to benefit the students. – Deb
Please accept condolences from the Rausch family. Mr. Jurrens was the right leader at the right time for our school district. He cared about the kids and community. In education and coaching, nothing is ever perfect. There are always rough patches to navigate and I appreciate Jay for always doing what he felt was best for the kids and school. I also always appreciated him having my back as a coach. I also thought he was a great example of the toughness required of a leader. Dealing with health issues is not easy or fun, but he did it gracefully and still managed to lead our district when he wasn’t feeling well. He was a good man and I’m thankful that I got to know him on a personal level. May he rest in peace.
Thank you so much for your kind words. I agree, Jay was always working to do the best for the kids and the school. – Deb
Herb, Kari, Adeana, Breh, Lucy, and Herbie.
Kari, Thank you for thinking of us. We need all the hugs we can get. – Deb
So sorry to hear of Jay’s passing. I worked with Jay at ALCO department store. He was one of my favorite managers. Enjoyed working with him . Prayers to you Deb and his family! Patti Egeland
Patti, Thank you for your prayers. Jay and I often think back to the good old days of ALCO. He appreciated all of the people he worked with – including you. – Deb
Thank you Jesse. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers to help comfort us during the difficult time. – Deb
Nancy, Thank you for sending your love and prayers. Our memories are giving us comfort during this most difficult time. – Deb
Amanda, Thank you for your thoughts and prayers – we are leaning on the for support during this difficult time. – Deb
Thank your so much for your kind thoughts. We are comforted by all of the memories and condolences from the people that Jay knew. – Deb
Deb, I was very saddened to hear the news of Jay’s death. I read his obituary and feel it is quite accurate, “do the right thing” was his motto. The statement may not have been spoken all the time but you could see it in his actions. I am sorry for your loss. I am also sorry for OUR loss, he affected many people in a very positive way.
John Joynt
Thank you for your kind words. He had many fond memories of his time in Emmetsburg.
Thank you for your kind words. He had many fond memories of his time in Emmetsburg working with you.