James "Jay" Silkowski

James “Jay” Silkowski, age 80, of El Paso, passed away on April 21, 2026.

Born on October 4, 1945, in Lafitte, Louisiana, Jay lived a life marked by independence, resilience, adventure, and a deep appreciation for friendship and family. He attended Bridge City Elementary School in Bridge City, Louisiana, and later graduated from St. Paul's School in Covington, Louisiana.

Jay proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1963 to 1966. Following his military service, he spent much of his life traveling throughout the United States, always carrying a special love for the beauty and freedom of Wyoming.

A true jack of all trades, Jay could fix nearly anything and especially enjoyed working on cars. He also cherished the camaraderie and fellowship found among fellow veterans at local VFWs and American Legions, where many friendships were formed over the years.

Jay was married to and divorced from Carroll Sheets of Arnold, Nebraska in the 1970s. Though he had no children of his own, he was deeply loved by his large extended family. Of his eight siblings, he is survived by three: Margaret “Midge” Silkowski Bartlett (Christopher) of Daytona Beach, FL; Glenn Silkowski (Patricia) of Mesquite, TX; and Casey Silkowski (Mary) of Winnsboro, LA.

He is also survived by three aunts, Beverly Billiot Chautin of Kiln, MS; Terry Billiot Templet of Bay St. Louis, MS; Maryann Ronquille Landry of Lumberton, MS; and one uncle, Charles Lovan Billiot of Carriere, MS.

Also cherishing his memory are 19 nieces and nephews, 38 grand-nieces and nephews, several great-grand nieces and nephews, and a multitude of cousins who will carry his memory forward with love.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edna Billiot Silkowski and John Edward Silkowski; five siblings: Donna Silkowski Kellogg, Deanne Silkowski Mills Blanchard, Gilda "Gidget" Silkowski Hihar, David Christopher Silkowski, and Nathan Paul Silkowski; and one nephew, Christopher Ern.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Rubie Herrera of the Veterans Administration CO-ED Program, Claudia Loy of Adult Protective Services, and Brenda Blanco of Sunset Funeral Homes in El Paso, TX for their tireless compassion and dedication in ensuring Jay received the care and dignity he deserved.

Special thanks are also extended to Jerry of Heritage Mobile Home & RV Park for his steadfast friendship and kindness during times when it was needed most.

A private family burial will be held at Fleming Cemetery in Lafitte, Louisiana at a later date, where Jay will be laid to rest beside his beloved mother, Edna, his brother Nathan, and his sister Deanne.

Jay’s adventurous spirit, mechanical talents, stories from the road, and loyalty to those he cared about will be remembered always.