Funeral Services for JR Day will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 27, 2025 at the Lamar Christian Church with Pastor Ray Matteson officiating.  Interment will follow in the Walsh Cemetery, Walsh, Colorado.  Visitation for JR will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Friday, December 26, 2025 at Valley Memorial Funeral Chapel in Lamar.

Harold Ray Day, affectionately known as JR, passed away on December 19, 2025 at Prowers Medical Center in Lamar, Colorado at the age of 61.  JR was born on August 21, 1964 in Walsh, Colorado to Donnie Ray Sanders and Twila Spencer before being adopted by his maternal grandparents, Harold and Mildred Day. Growing up in a Walsh, Colorado, JR embraced the joys of rural life and the lessons that came with it. He attended school in Vilas, Colorado, where he developed a passion for sports, particularly baseball, basketball, and golf. His competitive spirit and love for the game not only shaped his childhood but also laid a foundation for many cherished memories.

After high school, JR began his career in construction alongside his brother, Fred in Castle Rock, Colorado. His work took him across the state, but his heart always remained in Southeastern Colorado. In the late 1990s, he moved to Woodland Park, where he expanded his skills in construction and chimney cleaning. In December of 2010, he returned to Southeastern Colorado to be closer to family, after the birth of his first grandchild, Daylen.  In 2012, JR met the love of his life, Rosalind Smith. Their bond was palpable, filled with endless support and companionship.

JR had a deep passion for history and the arts, often finding joy in antiques and exploring everything related to the Old West. He was the heart and talent of Ranchland Rustics, Ltd, a business he and Rosalind started in 2022.  JR was an artisan woodworker and crafted furniture and frames for Western fine art.  He was a proud member of the Academy of Western Artist.  Friends and family will remember him for his kindness and generosity. JR’s legacy will live on through his family and the countless lives he touched throughout his journey.

He is survived by his wife, Rosalind Smith; children, Karleigh (Jimmy) Bencomo, Lane England (Santha Hackler), Cristopher Felzien, Keegan (Tyndan) Marquez, and Kelsey (Chuey) Hernandez; four grandchildren, Daylen Swan, Brinley Swan, Taysen Bencomo, Ivory Bencomo, Ryker Felzien, Tryndan Marquez, Eastyn Marquez, Tayven Hernandez, and Tytus Hernandez. He is also survived by his siblings, Shelly Thornton Helms and Brian Thornton as well as many other relatives and a host of friends.

JR was preceded in death by his biological and adoptive parents; brother, Fred Day and sister, Janice Sanders.

Memorial contributions may be made to JR Day Memorial Fund in care of Valley Memorial Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 950, Lamar, Colorado 81052 or at Community State Bank in Lamar or Springfield.