James (Jay) Martin Sprinkle, 80, passed away September 1, 2023, in his hometown of Newport News, VA. Jay was born in Galax, Virginia to the late Nat Jones Sprinkle and the late Alene Martin Sprinkle. His family relocated to Newport News in 1944.
Jay was raised in Newport News and graduated from Warwick High School in 1961. Jay and his long-time friend, Bobby Williams started building racing cars in 1964. In 1965, they won the Virginia State Championship in their class and then went into business together creating Sprinkle & Williams Automotive located in Newport News. In 1971, he married his wife and partner, Billie Jean Bryant and they remained in Newport News until their death.
Jay loved his cottage on the Currituck Sound at Nags Head and shared it with family and friends. Most enjoyable were the swimming and crabbing off the pier, and the many snipe hunts at night with the kids. Jay ensured that many children learned the art of the hunt and that many snipes were captured.
Jay was a hardworking, loving, caring, husband and father who wanted nothing for himself. Seeing others happy is what truly made him happy. He was an adored grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle. These children, now grown, will have many fond memories of him.
Jay was predeceased by his dear wife, Billie Jean. He is survived by his son, Shane M. Sprinkle; his stepdaughter, Audrey M. Feick and her husband, Alan; stepson, Billy T. Musselwhite and his wife, Tammy; sisters, Sue Stokes, Sandy Brandon, Becky Morrell, and Nancy Farley; brothers, David Sprinkle and Danny Sprinkle; grandchildren, Shannon Rawls, Ashley Feick, Brittany Crosby, Brandon Feick, Kimberly Musselwhite, Skylar Rawls; along with 8 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at Weymouth Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be conducted at noon on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow at Peninsula Memorial Park.
