Jay Merkley

Profile Updated: December 22, 2015

Residing In:	Pocatello, ID USA

Spouse/Partner:	Ann

Occupation:	Health and Kinesiology, Faculty, Texas A&M,Retired

Children:	Jennifer, born 1972, Rhondi, born 1974, Kimberly, born 1976, Michael, born 1986,

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First, I need to clear up something. My father's name is Jay, so I have always gone by the name my grandfather gave me, which is Smokey.
I Served a mission for my church from 1964 to 1966.
Lived in Madrid, Spain while attending the University of Madrid, and visited most of the European countries during the Fall of 1968 and the Winter and Spring of 1969.
Attended Ricks College and BYU, graduating in 1970
Certified as NAUI Scuba Instructor, Summer, 1970
Married Ann Wilson 1971
Terminal degree earned 1974,Health and Kinesiology, Kanas State University
Joined the Faculty of Heath and Kinisiology at Texas A&M University, 1975.
Designed Self Defense class at Texas A&M University, and wrote the text.
Served as Boxing coach for the Texas A&M University Intramural Boxing club.
Volunteer Patrolman for College Station, Texas Police Dept. 1995-2000.
Texas DPS CCW Instuctor, 1996-2000.
Retired August 2000.
Returned to Pocatello, September, 2000.
Started Health and Nutrition home business upon arrival back in Pocatello.
Spend most of my time skiing, mountain biking, hunting and soaking in the hot pots at Lava Hot Springs.
I now write a weekly column for the outdoor section of the Idaho State Journal.

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School Story:

I missed most of the first nine weeks of my Junior year due to a motorcycle accident in Ross park. Spent several weeks at Holy Cross Hospital in SLC after neuro-surgery. Returned to school first part of December 1962.
My father repaired the bike and sold it.
I finally bought another one after graduate school, and had to hide it whenever my parents came to Texas to visit us.
I no longer ride motorcycles. When my son wanted a motorcycle, I said no, and sold mine.

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Bucket List

I have been fortunate enough to have done and seen most of what I would include on a bucket list.
Right now I'm working on Annie's wish to see New Zealand.
Once Annie's wish is fulfilled, I would like to return to Spain, and show her Iberia.
I have hunted most of the places I wanted to hunt, but my son and I both would like to do a twenty day safari in South Africa or the Okavango if we can swing it.
First, I need to take Annie to New Zealand, then I'll see about returning to old haunts.

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Apr 12, 2024 at 2:33 AM

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Jan 11, 2024 at 5:49 PM

I was sad to hear of Walt's passing. I knew he had some heart trouble several years ago, but I thought he got past that and got himself in pretty good condition again. I didn't realize he was having health problems the last couple of years. I knew Walt from church trips we took as teenagers and from high school.

I remember his smile,I'm sure everyone who knew him does. Although I have'nt seen Walt for about ten years,when he was visiting his brother John I'm going to miss him.

Jay Merkley has a birthday today.

Apr 12, 2023 at 2:33 AM

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Jun 22, 2022 at 10:10 AM

Jay Merkley has a birthday today.

Apr 12, 2022 at 2:33 AM

Jay Merkley posted a message on Don Bollinger's Profile. New comment added.

Apr 14, 2021 at 5:47 PM

Posted on: Apr 13, 2021 at 8:14 AM

I still live south of Pocatello, about a a half mile mile from the farm I grew up on. I spent my career teaching iat Texas A&M University and hunting whenever I got the chance to do so. I moved back to the farm when I retired from A&M in 2000, to take care of dad and continue hunting in the Rocky Mountain North west. I moved North a half mile when he died in 2004.

Don Bollinger posted a message on Jay Merkley's Profile.

Apr 12, 2021 at 10:15 AM

Do you miss living south of Porky, Idaho??? the good old days ...have a great B/D hugs Donnie Bo

Jay Merkley has a birthday today.

Apr 12, 2021 at 2:33 AM

Jay Merkley has a birthday today.

Apr 12, 2020 at 2:35 AM

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Apr 09, 2020 at 5:48 PM

Don Bollinger posted a message on Jay Merkley's Profile.

Apr 09, 2020 at 9:21 AM

Happy Birthday Jay doing any hunting lately ?? hugs Donnie Bo

Jay Merkley has a birthday today.

Apr 12, 2019 at 2:33 AM

Don Bollinger posted a message on Jay Merkley's Profile. New comment added.

Apr 06, 2019 at 7:42 AM

Posted on: Apr 05, 2019 at 11:01 AM

Have a fantastic & wonderful time on your '74 birthday hugs Bo--jangles

Jay Merkley posted a message on Don Bollinger's Profile. New comment added.

Mar 05, 2019 at 4:05 PM

Posted on: Mar 04, 2019 at 1:43 PM

Don,
Dr. Douglas Orchard passed away last Thursday. He was in our graduating class. Did you know him?

Jay Merkley posted a message on Don Bollinger's Profile.

Mar 04, 2019 at 6:12 AM

Don,
Dr. Douglas Orchard, of Eagle, Passed away last Thursday. He was in our graduating class at Poky High. Did you know him?

Jay Merkley has left an In Memory comment for Profile.

Mar 02, 2019 at 10:33 AM

I was sorry to hear of Doug's passing. We lived next door to each other on Purdue, for two years. before my family moved south of town.

We continued to be friends throuout high school but I lost track of him after high school.

He was was always upbeat and friendly and and a pleasure to be around.

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Oct 29, 2018 at 7:39 AM

Jay Merkley posted a message.

Apr 12, 2018 at 8:19 PM

Thanks for the birthday wish Eilene. It doesn't seem that long ago that we were growing up South of town, but when I sit long enough to think about it, a lot has happened since then.
I really need to sit more, but I don't think it will ever happen. Now that my wife has retired she keeps dragging me to Texas, North Dakota Spring Creek , Nevada, and Reedsport Oregon to see the kids.
I've been trying to get back to Spain and we might make it since Annie has been looking into a trip to Europe.

Jay Merkley has a birthday today.

Apr 12, 2018 at 2:33 AM

Jay Merkley has a birthday today.

Apr 12, 2017 at 2:33 AM