Jay Arthur Perry, age 70 of Vandalia, IL passed away July 4, 2026 at Springfield Memorial Hospital in Springfield, IL.

He was born May 5, 1956 in Vandalia, IL, the son of Arthur Nathaniel and Betty Jean (Horton) Perry. He married Sayona Lynn Hall on April 5, 1986 in Vandalia, IL, and together they shared 40 years of marriage. Jay worked at the Vandalia Correctional Center and retired as Lieutenant from the Illinois Department of Corrections. He was a member of the First Pentecostal Church in Vandalia, and he served as board secretary at the church for many years. Jay was an amazing Pop to his grandchildren. He loved all his family dearly and cherished any time he got to spend with them.

Jay is survived by his wife, Sayona Perry of Vandalia, IL; daughters, Aubrea Decloedt and Ally (Mike) Fitch, both of Vandalia, IL; grandchildren, Jasper and Collin Perry, and Abigail Decloedt; mother-in-law, Jane Hall; and aunts, Alta Lee Leininger, Kay Myers, Shirley Perry, and Bev Horton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and uncles, Beryl Leininger, Jim Horton, and Norman Perry.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at the First Pentecostal Church in Vandalia, IL with Pastor David Kellogg officiating. Burial will follow at Fairlawn Cemetery in Vandalia, IL. Visitation will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 and also one hour prior to the service on Thursday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM both at the First Pentecostal Church. Memorial donations may be made to the First Pentecostal Church Building Fund. Miller Funeral Home, Vandalia, IL is in charge of arrangements. Online memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.millerfh.net.