John W. "Jay" DeHaven

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Service Schedule
Memorial Celebration
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home Chapel
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
Friday, October 19, 2018
1:00 P.M.


Graveside
Forest Hills Memorial Park
10201 Hwy 5
Alexander, AR  72002
Friday, October 19, 2018
11:00 A.M.
Cemetery
Forest Hills Memorial Park
10201 S. Highway 5 North
Alexander, AR  72002
John W. "Jay" DeHaven

October 1, 1939 - October 14, 2018

John W. ''Jay'' DeHaven, October 1, 1939 October 14, 2018, was born in Ponca City, Oklahoma to Charles Sylvester and Margaret Walker DeHaven. He was a Sunday child.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Kent; survived by his wife, Ashley Alexander DeHaven; daughter, Beren (Holland) Gould; sons, Drew, Jeffrey and Brad; brother, Denny (Martha) DeHaven; sister-in-law, Charlotte DeHaven; nephew, Ben DeHaven, and seven grandchildren.

Jay was raised in Hoisington, Kansas graduating from Hoisington High School in 1957. Under the direction of Mr. Ebbie Dicks, his high school band leader, he became an accomplished saxophone and clarinet musician. He later played in a studio band with Henry Mancini for the Peter Gunn television show introduction.

After high school, Jay and his young family moved to the Bay Area. Being raised in his family's butcher shop, he became a journeyman butcher but quit shortly thereafter due to the 'laws' of the union. He also worked as a Fuller Brush Man.

He then moved his family to Southern California and went to work for Jay Chamberlain Automotive in North Hollywood. This is where he met Steve McQueen through a mutual friend in the movie industry. Jay began racing cars with McQueen in the Los Angeles River Bottom. This eventually got him fired, as he loved to ''test drive'' the cars ''too well''. With his experience and car buddies, he got a part in the movie ''On the Beach'' as a racecar driver. An old friend, actor and racer gave Jay an opportunity in the housing industry, which became a lifelong gift.

In the early sixties, Jay moved to Wichita, Kansas, continued his interest in the car business and opened his own dealership. He became one of the largest dealers of Ford Mustangs. His bank was seized, so he closed shop and left for New Orleans where he trained in securities.
Now in his mid-twenties, he was young and hungry to learn. He left to attend Culinary Arts School in Brussels, Belgium. It was a one-year program, but having ''too much fun'', he ran out of money in six months time. To get back to the United States, he worked as a cook on a freighter with a seven-man crew and captain. It took him a year to step foot back on American soil.

In 1967, Jay moved to Little Rock. He loved Little Rock and all of his new friends in Holcomb Heights who would remain lifelong friends. During this time, he, his brother Kent and friend, Kris Zumbrunn, started an office coffee service after acquiring Tom's Coffee.

He worked for Robert B. Anderson and Company in New York for about 10 years, where he represented PanAm and their worldwide liquidation. He became friends with PanAm's founder, Juan Tripp. Jay traveled most of Central and South America, as well as many islands during this time. He loved living in New York and his time with Mr. Anderson learning life lessons one can gain only by experience.

Jay returned to Little Rock and worked in the securities business, during this time he acquired real estate in Angel Fire, New Mexico.

In 1987, Jay and partner, Mike Todd, began putting together a deal to purchase all of the Maumelle assets held by Worthen Bank. The 1988 closing on the transaction marked the beginning of a new Maumelle.
Jay loved watching the development proceed according to his vision and planning. In 1992, Jay was indicted on 32 counts of mishandling the improvement district funds for the development of Dogwood. In August 1994, he was acquitted of each and every count. By 1999, he had developed and sold more than 3500 lots.

After Maumelle, Jay continued in real estate and oil and gas, two of his life long endeavors. Jay was an avid Razorback fan and supporter. He thought of himself as a ''pickle maker'' extraordinaire! You were close to his heart if you received one of his jars!

Everyone that knew Jay loved being invited to one of his many gatherings. He would always have delicious meals that he would spend many hours preparing. It was always a ''martinis and swapping war stories'' kind of celebration.

You always knew where you stood with Jay. Whether you liked what he had to say or not, there was always a life lesson that he wanted to share to make you be better; always enjoying giving more than receiving.

Graveside services will be held Friday, Oct.19th at 11:00 a.m. at Forest Hills Cemetery in Alexander, Arkansas with a Celebration of Life following at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home at 1:00 p.m. with a reception immediately following.

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18 Condolence(s)
Marvin day
Gotha, FL
Liked
Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Ashley, I am sorry I never got to meet you but I loved receiving your family Christmas cards .
Jay and I were friends for the better part of my life. We could tell war stories from Vegas to Wichita to Florida. Always great fun. He was a great personal and business friend and partner.
I’ll miss him.
My condolences,
Marvin Day

Terry Barket
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Friday, October 19, 2018

Oh, Ashley, my heart breaks. I am holding you and the children close and sending warm hugs...until I can hug you in person.

I am sure Jay-Bird and Gary are telling "war" stories!

Peace and love.

Terry

Ron Wingfield
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Friday, October 19, 2018

What an interesting fellow. I wish I could have met him.
Regarding the Henry Mancini/Peter Gunn theme, Mancini commented, ". . .It was sustained [ostinato] throughout the piece, giving it a sinister effect, with some frightened saxophone sounds". Wow! . . .to have been part of that.

Sam Perroni
Fayetteville, AR
Liked
Friday, October 19, 2018

My heart goes out to Jay's family and the friends he held so dearly. Jay was one of the best clients I ever had and I was honored by the complete trust he had in me.

Lisa Dalton Dritschler
Prosper, TX
Liked
Friday, October 19, 2018

My heart goes out to you and the family. I'll remember Jay in many positive ways - with a story to tell and a big smile, and of course wearing his braces. He was a great soul, may he rest in peace. He was so very blessed to have you.

Cliff Hoofman
Enola, AR
Liked
Friday, October 19, 2018

Aspecial person and friend.

Dr. H. F. "Bunny" and June M. Brown
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Thursday, October 18, 2018

Dear Ashley,
June and I are deeply saddened from hearing of Jay's death. He was truely a gentleman and June and I will miss seeing him. We will keep him, and you, in our prayers. With our deepest sympathy,
Dr. Bunny and June Brown

Joe Locke
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Thursday, October 18, 2018

It was a privilege to first get to know Jay as I was becoming a young man. I remember admiring how much Jay loved living a full life. Jay and my Dad (George) made many fond memories together. Dad sends his love and condolences to you, Ashley, and all of Jay's family.

Teresa Moses
Austin, TX
Liked
Thursday, October 18, 2018

Dear Dehaven Family,
My sincerest condolences for your loss. Hugs and love to you all.

Sincerely,
Teresa Moses

James Guy Tucker
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Thursday, October 18, 2018

Dear Ashley:
Betty and I will be in Washington DC for my brother in law's memorial service. I met Jay almost 50 years ago. He was a friend and I liked him very much. I am so sorry to lose him - without even a recent visit. We wish we could be with you Friday. Our deepest sympathy.

Jim Guy and Betty

Ed & Barbara Dozier
Hot Springs, AR
Liked
Thursday, October 18, 2018

In this time of sadness may you be comforted in the knowledge that others care. So very sorry to hear about Jay's passing. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Ann. King
Helena, AR
Liked
Thursday, October 18, 2018

Ashley , Mr John and I are sorry to read of Jays death. We know you will miss him and be lonely. You are in our prayers....Ms.Ann

David and Edna Melton
Hot Springs, AR
Liked
Thursday, October 18, 2018

Sending our love to Ashley and all of the family as we all mourn the loss of this amazing man!

Lee Stephens
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Ashley, Brenda and I have You and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Jay lived life to the fullest and on his terms and he will be Missed but never forgotten.

Lee & Brenda

Sally Ederington
No Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, October 17, 2018

I met Jay when he first moved to Little Rock back in the 60's, he became a very special friend in my life and a life long friend. Jay was someone that would always be there for you. I loved he and his wife Ashley to the moon and back. Still love you Ashley and I will be there if you need me. Rest in Peace my good friend and give Jim my love. You two will be a match in heaven. I will catch up with you some day...

Jeanne Franks
Magnolia, AR
Liked
Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Ashley, I am so sorry to hear about Jay. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Donita, Terry, Alex - all the family - at this very stressful time. I have been there and understand completely how difficult this journey is. Just know that I care and love all of you.
Jeanne

Marty & David Maier
Crossville, TN
Liked
Tuesday, October 16, 2018

I am so so sorry Ashley. Jay was very blessed to have you in his life..........you were one of the best caregivers I have ever seen and your love for him was so evident. All of your friends and family love you very much and eager to help with anything you need. Praying for peace and comfort during this stressful time in your life.

Julie Rooker Klie, and Doug
Bella Vista, AR
Liked
Monday, October 15, 2018

Ashley, We were so sorry to hear about Jay, but know he was suffering , not being able to be himself, like we all knew him in the past. The fun, amazing memories we all had of him at his best, are never to be forgotten. I gave him the name “ King” , cause he was the King of Vegas, as far as I was concerned. He always saw to it Claire and I had the best of everything there, even if he couldn’t make it. Our trip out there to meet Jay and Sandy was to see “Old Blue Eyes”, Sinatra. Jay had THE best booth in the house. Sinatra commented to him as us 3 girls outnumbered him! Our memories will always vivid, as he lived life vividly!