Jay Nukaya, 77, of Roberts, passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at Idaho Falls Community Hospital.

Jay was born on July 12, 1948, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to George Hisao Nukaya and DeAun Stewart Nukaya. He grew up in Roberts, Idaho, where he attended school. He also attended Eastern Idaho Technical College.

He enlisted in the United States Navy on April 3, 1968, and served during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged on January 16, 1970. While serving, he earned the Vietnam Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

On June 21, 1974, he married Afton Whitehead in Idaho Falls, Idaho. They made their home in Roberts, and he spent his life farming. To this union, four children were born. Jay spent his free time horse riding with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Afton Nukaya of Roberts, Idaho; his daughter, Melissa (Mike) Janson of Idaho Falls, Idaho; his son, Ryan (Anna) Nukaya of Blackfoot, Idaho; his daughters: Krista (Scott) Tea of Idaho Falls, Idaho and Aleisha (Luke) Beck of Shelley, Idaho; his brother, Rick Nukaya of Idaho Falls, Idaho; his sister, Pamela Summers of Idaho Falls, Idaho; 13 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and DeAun Nukaya; his brothers, Delray Nukaya and Larry Nukaya.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m., Friday, January 9, 2026, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls. The family will visit with friends and family from 6:00-7:30 p.m., Thursday, January 8, 2026, and from 11:00-11:45 a.m., prior to the services, both at the mortuary. Interment will be at the Market Lake Cemetery in Roberts. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com.