James “Jay” Edward McCloskey Jr., 72, of Rockport, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on May 5, 2026. Born on July 26, 1953, in Baltimore and raised in Glen Burnie, Maryland, he was the eldest son of James E. McCloskey Sr., and Audry M. Kepper. Jay graduated from Andover High School in 1971 and proudly served as a combat engineer in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves.
Jay began his career as a butcher at German’s IGA in Gambrills, Maryland. Mentored in the art of profitable meat cutting, Jay’s ingenuity drew the attention of Frank Perdue, who called him “our kind of people.” Jay worked for Perdue Farms for more than twenty years. However, Jay found his perfect fit with La Nova Wings Inc., a company he proudly worked for until his passing. At La Nova, Jay found a community of people he deeply cared about, fulfillment in his work, and bonds that went beyond the workplace.
Jay loved the outdoors throughout his life, especially boating, crabbing, hunting, and fishing. At ten years old, he could often be found wading the Magothy River before dawn, searching for soft-shell crabs to bring home for breakfast for his beloved mother and Aunt Eileen. The Magothy held a special place in his heart as its shores served as the backdrop to many cherished memories with his large and loving family.
Above all else, Jay’s legacy will endure most in his unwavering dedication to his wife, children, and grandchildren. From the day he met Cynthia Smith, his wife of 52 years, as children on a baseball field in Glen Burnie, to the day of his passing, family remained at the center of everything he did. He was deeply committed to providing security and stability for those he loved. His greatest joy was seeing his family thrive.
Jay is survived by his wife, Cynthia McCloskey; children, James (Fran) E. McCloskey III, Michael McCloskey, and Elizabeth (James) Ross; grandchildren James “J.J.” E. McCloskey IV, Alakai Perriton, Porter McCloskey, Noa Perriton, Eli Perriton, Millie McCloskey, Liam McCloskey, Jack McCloskey, and Mila McCloskey; siblings, Joan (Jim) Kane, Greg McCloskey, Dale (Debbie) McCloskey, and Jeanne (Rick) Preston; parents-in-law Rubin & Cornelia Smith, as well as many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Services honoring Jay’s life will be held at Grimes Funeral Chapel in Kerrville, Texas, on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to Jay’s memory may be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (vfw.org).