Jay Maddern

Jay Edwin Maddern Obituary

Jay Edwin Maddern, 66 of Polson, Montana passed away after a short battle with pancreatic cancer on January 19, 2026, in Missoula, Montana. Jay was born on November 24, 1959, in Reed City, Michigan to Elmer and Mary Maddern. Jay graduated from Reed City High School in 1977 and while working at Bill’s IGA attended Ferris State University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration.

After graduation he went onto Plumb’s Supermarkets starting as Assistant Manager and moving up to manager at a couple different stores to then into the corporate offices in Muskegon, Michigan.

Jay had two children, Jayme and Nathan; With whom he raised with love, patience, and compassion.

In 2012, he left Plumb’s and moved west to run stores for Albertson’s in Idaho and Walla Walla, Washington.

He married Kelly Lewis in August of 2013.

In 2016, he joined Moody’s Markets, and moved to Polson, Montana as Retail Operations Manager.

Jay’s impact on managing grocery stores and people left an impact wherever he went. During his time in Reed City, he was an assistant chief with the volunteer fire dept, City Council member, and involved with his kids in Osceola County 4H serving as a 4H Leader.

Jay is survived by his wife Kelly, daughter Jayme (Eric) McLachlan of Evart, MI, son Nathan (Sara) Maddern of Traverse City, MI, step son Andrew (Karina) Stewart, of Muskegon, MI and step daughter Sandra (Chance) Peasely , of Polson, MT, brother Jon (Bev) Maddern of Plano, TX, 8 grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his buddy Gunner (silver retriever in picture).

Jay loved being outdoors whether playing golf, hunting, fishing, riding ATVs, snowmobiling, or boating. Many fond memories were made and friendships that lasted a lifetime from Reed City to Polson.

No funeral service is planned currently, per Jay’s request.