MTFCA Forum

I just receive notification from Barbara Klehfoth that Jay passed away this afternoon. "It is a shock to all of us and he was deeply loved by everyone."

It is a sad day.

: ^ (

Truly sad. Both Jay and Barb did a lot for the MTFCA and the Model T hobby generally over time. Our thoughts are with Barb and family.
Ross

Oh, shoot. So sad to hear this. I never got to meet him in person, but always loved the "Life in the Slow Lane" he wrote. I very much knew and appreciated all the things he did for the model T world.
RIP Jay.
My condolences to all his family and close friends for their loss.

We loved Jay he has known my wife since she was a little girl. He always held a great respect for Ben Yumori and my wifes family. A Model T Guy at heart, I would visit them when I came to Indiana and once stayed with them for a few days. He always supported my journey in Model T life. I was truly sad to see this post today and send our love and thoughts to his family.

Eric, Jennifer, McKaela, Tatiana, and Camila

My wife Sally and I are really shocked to hear about Jay, He and Barbara have been lifetime friends of ours.
We first met Jay just after he took over as editor of the Vintage Ford in mid 1990 and he talked me into writing the column on back issues which Bruce had produced before hand to inform later members of the great content they contained.
On several visits we stayed with Barbara and Jay first in Dallas and later in Centreville when he moved the MTFCA business address to there.

On one occasion we talked about the up coming 100th Anniversary of the Model T and I made a pact with Jay that if he organised a celebration I would ship over one of my T's a for it. Which we did in 2008.

As we know he and Barbara did just that and produced an outstanding event for us all as well as doing all the clubs business dealings all those years including the establishment of the museum.

It's only a short time ago we spoke on the phone which we often did, we both are greatly impacted to hear this news,
If it hadn't been for the virus drama this year we would have been there in summer to visit again.

A great friend who we will really miss.
What a terrible time of the year for this to happen.

Barbara if you read this we will be in touch.

I am shocked and saddened to find out Jay has been taken - too soon - from us. I very much enjoyed the fellowship over lunch with Jay and Barbara when I visited the museum many years ago. They are both so dedicated to showcase our beloved Model T s and are just all around great folks. May God’s comfort and peace settle on Barbara now.

Oh what a shame! I met Jay and Barb at the museum a while back. Very nice folks. Prayers go out to Barb and the family.
May he rest in peace.

Jay will certainly be missed in the Model T community I don't think I would be wrong in saying he WAS the MTFCA for quite a few years when he was at the helm. He and Barb were two of the friendliest people I ever met, and always enjoyed visiting with them at Hershey. Very sad day indeed. Jim

I'm very sorry to read about Jay's passing. He was a great contributor to the hobby.
Norm

We have been blessed to have Jay cross our path in life. He was a true gentleman. He and Barbara contributed so much to our members.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Rest in Peace my friend,
Dom

It was very sad to read that Jay had passed. Our most sincere sympathy to his family.

Jay was always a friendly guy and knew his Model T's extremely well. He and Barbara did an outstanding job in organizing the 100th anniversary of Model T's in Richmond in 2008. For that event, Jay had a tag that said "Big dog", and Barbara had one that said "Other Big Dog". That event will always be remembered as one of their crowning achievements.

May Jay rest in peace.

Keith Gumbinger

I am very shocked and upset with Jay's death. ....he was very helpful,as was his wife,setting up our local chapter ... Also, when we met at the old museum in Centerville we did speak about some improvements he had in mind for the new museum in Richmond and did respect my input. Not only that, after a while with people coming into the museum he says you can have a discussion with the folks at came in, and to help those folks with any questions that they had besides explaining the way the Model T would run. Prior to this he was very helpful and organized with Bruce McCalley.... Our sympathy and prayers go to Jay's family and hopefully whatever services will be arranged would be made public here on the forum......Jay, God bless.

Having worked with Jay and Barbara for 21 years on the MTFCA Board and as President 3 years, I can truly vouch for the kind of person Jay was. Always helpful, always thinking about what was best for the MTFCA. Over the years we became family as did so many others. A true testament of how a life should be lived. Debbie and I had the pleasure of once again seeing Jay and Barbara just 2 months ago on a road trip, and as always even with Jay's declining health issues they were the consummate host and hostess. We will miss Jay, and wish all the best to Barbara and family during this difficult time. Another great one has gone on before us. Mark & Debbie Mahoney

Very sad news. I was fortunate to get to know Jay and Barbara and tour with them years ago when we were members of the Dallas T club. My thoughts and prayers are with the family as well.

Very sorry to hear this news.
All my best wishes go out to Barbara and the rest of the family.
Ron Patterson

We are very sad to hear of Jay's passing. He was instrumental in growing the club and publishing a great magazine. Our prayers are with Barbara and the family.
Russ and Kathy Furstnow

Sorry to hear of Jays passing. Cathy and I have many fond memories of Jay and Barbara on National tours. He will be missed.

Funeral Home website links for Jay Klehfoth.....

https://www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com/ob ... -Klehfoth/.

https://www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com/.

Obituary for Jay Gordon Klehfoth
CENTERVILLE, Ind. – Jay Gordon Klehfoth, age 75, of Centerville, Indiana, died unexpectedly Wednesday, December 16, 2020, at his home.

Born and raised in Richmond, Indiana, Jay graduated from Richmond High School in 1963. He attended Purdue University and graduated from Indiana University in 1967 with a B.S. in Business Administration, majoring in marketing and finance. Jay completed the MBA program at Miami University of Ohio in 1971, after serving as an officer in the United States Air Force.

After his stint in the Air Force, Jay returned to Philco-Ford in Connersville, Indiana, serving in various financial management positions. In addition, he owned and operated Yankee Farm Antiques in Cambridge City, Indiana.

In 1976, Jay accepted a position on corporate staff at Ford’s World Headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan. Initially, he served as a liaison with Ford of Europe. Later, Jay was assigned to work with Ford’s Diversified Products Operations (Ford’s non-automotive businesses). In 1979, he became an internal business consultant, acting as a consultant to the executive vice president level and above of the company.

In 1981, Jay accepted the position of Assistant Vice President of Finance and Planning with W.R. Grace’s Natural Resources Group, located in Dallas, Texas. He was deeply involved in taking the group public. The new company, Grace Energy, was traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

While in Dallas, Jay became associated with a local chapter of the Model T Ford Club of America (MTFCA), a nonprofit California corporation founded in 1965 and dedicated to the history and preservation of the Model T Ford. Model Ts had been a love of Jay’s since purchasing his first car, a 1927 Model T coupe, at the age of 13, a car still in his family today.

In 1989, while working for Grace, Jay accepted the responsibility of editing “The Vintage Ford,” the official magazine of MTFCA. In 1992, he and his wife, Barbara, added the business office to their responsibilities and Jay was awarded the title of Chief Executive Officer. In addition to running the club, they were credited with gaining a 501(c)3 educational nonprofit status for the club. The MTFCA is one of the world’s largest antique car clubs with members in all 50 states and 41 foreign countries. The club has over 125 chapters around the world.

In 1999, Jay and Barbara purchased the Malone House, an 1835 Federal-style row house in Centerville. After extensive restoration was begun, they moved to their “new” old home in May 2000. They also moved the publication and business offices of the MTFCA to their home in Centerville, as well as their three Model Ts – a 1927 coupe, a 1926 dirt track racer, and a 1923 English-built Model T town car.

Jay and Barbara enjoyed their historic home and the area. They became active in local organizations and enjoyed collecting antiques.

Jay served on the Board of Trustees (President for 2004-2005) of the Centerville-Center Township Public Library and was past President of Promote Centerville, Inc. He was a member and past director of the Centerville Lions Club. Jay was also a member and past director of the Wayne County Historical Museum. Jay and his wife, Barbara, were Life Members of Historic Centerville, Inc. and Friends of the Library. Additionally, they were members of the Cope Environmental Center, Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana, and other local organizations.

Survivors include his wife of 35 years, Barbara Mauzy Klehfoth; children, Jennifer (Daniel) Hollandbeck of Bainbridge, Indiana, Alex (Jayme) Klehfoth of Helena, Montana, and Cheri (Lyle) Pearson of Columbus, Ohio; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brother, John E. (Kristal) Klehfoth of Elkhart, Indiana; two nieces; nephew; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon Walter and Mary Emery Klehfoth.

A memorial service for Jay Gordon Klehfoth will be announced by the family at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by Mills Funeral Home, 405 East Main Street, Centerville.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Model T Ford Club of America, P.O. Box 996, Richmond, IN 47375 or 2nd Chance Animal Rescue of Richmond, Inc., 2905 US Highway 35 N, Richmond, IN 47374-9707, in honor of Jay’s love of animals.

Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Thank you, Robert.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Barbara and their extended family. Jay was instrumental in helping so many of us on so many different projects. One of those was helping to get the 1906-1907 Model N,R, & S Chapter going again. And that evolved into the 1903-1909 Early Ford Registry. He will be greatly missed.

Sadly submitted,

Hap l9l5 cut off

I suggest we all donate what we can to the MTFCA in honor Jay's significant roll in the establishment of the MTFCA Museum and Bruce McCalley Memorial Library and Research Center.
Ron Patterson

Jay and Barbara at the old museum......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFiXv5OWthg.

2020 continues to be a year we all need to forget. One sharp stick in the eye after another all year long. NOTHING good has happened this year. Jay's passing is the last straw.

Very sad news, indeed.

Marshall

Jay & Barbara at dedication of new Richmond, Indiana MTFCA Museum......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9M_wMKuA62k.

Barbara, a thoughtful Christmas blessing to you and the family. You all are in our thoughts and prayers..... everyday.