Jay Meikle Strong, 86, of Idaho Falls, died January 3, 2011, at Mt. Vernon Assisted Living Center in Idaho Falls with his son and daughter-in-law by his side. He had been under the care of Aspen Home Health. He was born September 15, 1924, in his paternal grandparent's home in Cache, Tetonia, Idaho, to Vernon L. Strong and Venna Meikle Strong. His childhood was spent following his father's scouting career. The family lived in Spokane, Washington; Kaysville, Utah, and Eureka, California, before moving to Idaho Falls where Jay attended Idaho Falls High School. He attended Ricks College, now BYU Idaho, where he was an honor student and the student body president. He completed his education at the University of Utah. He served in the United States Army during World War II as a Logistic Officer. On October 1, 1945, he married Verna M. Reed in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. Jay worked throughout the United States as an electrical engineer for General Electric before moving back to Idaho to work at the INL until his retirement. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served in many callings such as Young Men's President, temple guide, Seventies Group Leader, Stake High Councilman, and Scoutmaster. He and Verna served a Family History Mission in Idaho Falls. His interests were always centered on his family and church activity. Jay spent his life faithfully fulfilling his church assignments and enduring to the end. He is survived by the following: wife, Verna Marie Strong of Idaho Falls; sons: Alan R. (Ronda) Strong of Bountiful, Utah, and Brent J. (Cindy) Strong of Idaho Falls; daughter, Jane (Martin) Woodbury of Longmont, Colorado; sisters: Lillian (Ralph) Hansen of Boise, and Janet (Roger) Jeppeson of Reno, Nevada; brothers: Jack D. (Elaine) Strong of Mesa, Arizona, and Richard V. (Cynthia) Strong of Bountiful, Utah; 12 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Besides his parents, Jay was preceded in death by 2 sisters: Nadine and Virginia. Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, January 7, 2011, at the Idaho Falls LDS 24th Ward Chapel, 1155 E. First St. Idaho Falls with Bishop Doug Hillman officiating. There will be no public visitation. The family will greet friends from 1:30-1:45 p.m. just prior to the services at the church. Interment will be in Fielding Memorial Park in Idaho Falls with military rites performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Team and the Idaho Military Honor Guard. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.coltrinmortuary.com