Jay was born on January 17, 1933 to Henry and Amy Buss at the family farm at Lake City, SD. As an infant he suffered an affliction which caused paralysis to the left side of his body. He persevered many challenges as a result. Jay attended grammar school at Lake City, SD and high school at Britton, SD. After graduating high school he enrolled and attended college at Wahpeton, ND. He received his engineering degree and was quickly recruited by the US Army Corps of Engineers at Riverdale, ND. He contributed to the design, development, and construction of the Garrison Dam.

He met the love of his life; Vialla Mae Bendickson at a national guard armory dance at Garrison, ND. After going steady for a time, they were engaged and married on October 22, 1960 at Garrison, ND.

Jay’s career relocated them to his new position as a Structural Engineer at the US Army Corps of Engineers at Walla Walla, WA. He was a very dedicated, thorough, knowledgeable and exemplary employee. He worked very hard to support his family, which often meant many hours of overtime. He was very proud of his contributions to the Corps.

He excelled at his career and contributed his expertise to many projects in the Pacific Northwest. Projects included but not limited to: all dams, fish hatcheries, fish ladders, visitor centers on the Columbia, and Snake Rivers as well as their headwaters and tributaries. He contributed to local projects as well. For example: designed and implemented a suspension foot bridge at a local recreation park. There are many more projects he was involved with throughout his career too numerous to mention.

In 1993 he retired with 40 years of civil service. He was a lifelong member of Christ Lutheran Church at Walla Walla, WA. He served on the church council and led the JAY BUSS

building committee. During his tenure he drafted and implemented an addition and courtyard to the church. He was a great, proud and dedicated family man. He cherished his family. His wife went to heaven on December 18, 1998. He returned for a visit to the family farm and to visit his only surviving sibling Stan. He quickly realized that he wanted to move back to his roots. So in 1999 he relocated back to Lake City, SD where he remained in the area until his passing.

He loved to visit, garden, mow lawn, and kept up on current events. Even up until the end of his life he had a steel trap for a brain. He could recall events clear back to him being a young boy. He faced many challenges and adversity in life which only made him a stronger person. His tenacity was unmatched.

He is survived by two daughters: Sherry Crawford and her husband Bob of Ephrata, WA and Dawn Nicholson of West Richland, WA; a granddaughter, Megan Nicholson of Clyde Park, MT; a nephew, Mike Marushin and his wife Gina of Avon, MN; and a couple more nieces and cousins. Also, a special companion, MaryAnn Steiner at Lake City, SD.

He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Rhonda Kay and an infant son, Michael Jay; his wife, Vialla Mae; his grandson Matthew Jacob; his sister, LaVerda Marushin; brothers, Lynne and Stanley; his parents, Henry and Amy Buss; also numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

There will be private graveside services in the near future at Blue Mountain Cemetery at Walla Walla, WA. The family asks that memorial contributions to be made to the nonprofit dog rescue organization: OKANDOGS - 6820 Osprey Lane - Cashmere, WA 98815 Please note: Jay Buss memorial on check.

Condolences may be directed to the family in care of Sherry Crawford – 260 Park Place SE – Ephrata, WA 98823.

An online guestbook and obituary are available at www. olsonfuneralchapel.com