Jay Westbrook

James J. Westbrook (“Jay”), age 91, passed away at his home in Mabelvale, Arkansas, on April 7, 2026. He was born March 11, 1935, in Winfield, Alabama.

Jay was of the Baptist faith and lived life on his own terms, embracing each day fully and doing exactly what he set out to do. He attended Bobo School in Winfield, Alabama, and went on to become the owner of American Eagle Joint Sealing. He was known coast to coast for his exceptional workmanship and dedication to his craft.

He was preceded in death by the mother of his children, Helen Westbrook; his parents, Myrtle Westbrook and James “Bud” Westbrook; his sisters, Etma Mayfield and Nell Fowler; his brothers, Angus R. Westbrook, Lee Roy Guin, and Coy Guin; and his eldest daughter, Lisa Carol Smith.

He is survived by his daughters, Julie (Sam) Glendenning of Morrilton, Arkansas, and Rita Westbrook of Mabelvale, Arkansas; his grandchildren, Amanda Jaye (Jimm) Powell of Hot Springs, Arkansas, and Jacob Harris of Oppelo, Arkansas; his great-grandchildren, Adam Canant, Analise Earls, and Dani K. Harris; and his great-great-granddaughter, “Little” Lisa Canant.

He is also survived by his sister, Rami Miller of Indiana, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at Smith Family Funeral Home, Hot Springs Chapel, located at 2205 Airport Road in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Funeral services will follow at 10:00 a.m., with burial at Hope Cemetery in Perryville, AR.

Jay will be remembered for his strong will, his unmatched work ethic, and the legacy he built through both his family and his life’s work. He and his youngest daughter, Julie, could often be found slipping off to play the slot machines or sharing a good joke over the phone—moments filled with laughter that will always be cherished.