James (Jay) Martin Sprinkle

Visitation: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Location: Weymouth Funeral Home

Funeral Service: 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Location: Weymouth Funeral Home Chapel

Interment: Following the Service

Location: Peninsula Memorial Park

James (Jay) Martin Sprinkle, 80, passed away September 1, 2023, in his hometown of Newport News, VA. Jay was born in Galax, Virginia to the late Nat Jones Sprinkle and the late Alene Martin Sprinkle. His family relocated to Newport News in 1944.

Jay was raised in Newport News and graduated from Warwick High School in 1961. Jay and his long-time friend, Bobby Williams started building racing cars in 1964. In 1965, they won the Virginia State Championship in their class and then went into business together creating Sprinkle & Williams Automotive located in Newport News. In 1971, he married his wife and partner, Billie Jean Bryant and they remained in Newport News until their death.

Jay loved his cottage on the Currituck Sound at Nags Head and shared it with family and friends. Most enjoyable were the swimming and crabbing off the pier, and the many snipe hunts at night with the kids. Jay ensured that many children learned the art of the hunt and that many snipes were captured.

Jay was a hardworking, loving, caring, husband and father who wanted nothing for himself. Seeing others happy is what truly made him happy. He was an adored grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle. These children, now grown, will have many fond memories of him.

Jay was predeceased by his dear wife, Billie Jean. He is survived by his son, Shane M. Sprinkle; his stepdaughter, Audrey M. Feick and her husband, Alan; stepson, Billy T. Musselwhite and his wife, Tammy; sisters, Sue Stokes, Sandy Brandon, Becky Morrell, and Nancy Farley; brothers, David Sprinkle and Danny Sprinkle; grandchildren, Shannon Rawls, Ashley Feick, Brittany Crosby, Brandon Feick, Kimberly Musselwhite, Skylar Rawls; along with 8 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at Weymouth Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be conducted at 12 Noon, Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow at Peninsula Memorial Park. Arrangements by Weymouth Funeral Home.

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#6 Dave Redman 2023-09-12 03:03

Very sorry to hear of Jay's passing. Some of my earliest memories were of my uncles Bobby & Eddie Williams and Jay working on cars, first in the garage behind my grandparents house then later when Bobby and Jay opened Sprinkle and Williams on Jefferson Ave around 1966-67. Jay always used to clown around with my brothers and I when my dad would take us with him up to the shop. I also remember when Eddie's white 1962 Chevy SS convertible became Jay's 1962 Chevy SS convertible when Eddie went into the Navy. My condolences to the family.

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#5 Becky Morrell 2023-09-11 01:03

After the birth of two daughters, my parents welcomed Jay in 1943. As the first son, Jay held court until I came along 19 months later and stole some of his thunder. That didn’t last long, because I was "just another girl.” Then, 22 months later “just another girl” came into our lives, followed by two more sons. As a young boy, Jay was mischievous and rambunctious and pretty good at finding trouble wherever he went. In his teenage years in the 50s, he adopted the styles of that time: a ducktail (DA) haircut with lots of Vitalis to keep it in place; pegged pants; white T shirts; loafers; and a cool car. Jay was a true child of the 50s and stayed true to character to the very end. He was honest, hardworking, and ethical. As the third of seven siblings, Jay is the first to leave us. I mourn his loss, and I mourn for my nephew Shane, who gave up so much to take care of his dad in his final years. I hope he can find comfort in the love and support of our family.

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#4 Bill Wallace 2023-09-10 23:42

Like many, I knew Jay through the auto repair shop. He was a fine man and always treated me great. Condolences to the family, he will be greatly missed.

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#3 DAVID SPRINKLE 2023-09-10 20:24

Jay was my big brother I looked up to. Because he was a Redskins fan, I was too. When he served in the Army reserve, he would “allow” me to spit shine his shoes and Brasso his belt buckles. I thought it was a great honor, he knew it was a free shoe shine!
He was a generous and loving brother who loved his wife, kids, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews selflessly. May he rest in peace.

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#2 The Lupers 2023-09-10 15:22

Rest in peace, dear friend! I hope you're cruisin' in your '62 Chevy with Billie!

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#1 Nancy Farley 2023-09-08 11:16

Jay was a good big brother. He got into lots of trouble when we were younger. Daddy caught him smoking cigarettes and made him smoke a few more. He turned green, but he didn't quit. Once caught the woods across the street on fire, and a small fire in our garden area. We looked at the Sears and Roebuck Catalog together at Christmas. We dreamed of so many wonderful toys. He encouraged my love of horses. He teased sometimes, but never bullied. He paid me to clean his bedroom, providing funds to pay on my layaways at Lerner's. So many good memories. He is the first of seven to leave us. He will be missed so much.

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