James Walter (Jay) Pelham, age 77, a resident of Sunny Hills, Florida and a resident of Washington Rehab and Nursing for the past year, passed away Saturday, July 26, 2014 in Chipley. Jay was born May 28, 1937 in Washington County to the late Arthur and Evelyn (Varnum) Pelham. Mr. Pelham had returned to Washington County in the late 70's after being raised in the Clewiston, Florida area. He had served with the U.S. Army for 12 years and had retired from Epoch Oil Company as a Geologist. He was a former song leader for New Orange Baptist Church and was involved in the singing ministry for local hospitals, nursing homes and prisons in the area. In in his later years, he served as a greeter at Walmart. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his first wife, Monique: two infant brothers, Coley and Millard; one 10 year old sister, Lucille. Survivors include; his wife, Elizabeth of Sunny Hills; three sons, Steve Pelham and wife Jeanine, Brad Pelham and Brian Pelham; two daughters, Clarice Pelham and Brenda Johnson and husband Mark; and one granddaughter; five brothers, Bill Pelham, Wilfred Pelham and wife Betty, Henry Pelham and wife Linda, Curt Pelham and wife Cherri, Roy Pelham and wife Donna; four sisters, Vicki Lang, Mildred Schils and husband Walt, Joyce Johnson and husband Hueland, Gloria Clark and husband Warren. Private memorial services will be held at a later date.