09/09/2026
Remembering a legend, Jay Hampton.
Our Camp and Lake community has lost a good one. If you knew Jay, you can honestly say there isn’t another one like him.
Jay means so much to me and everyone here at The Camp. Jay and Gus were one of the first to welcome us when we started work on the property at 11 years ago. It wasn’t long in that friendship turned to family.
I looked forward to that silver truck, pulling in the driveway here to visit with us. Jay was the best storyteller, with the best stories. He had a memory like an elephant and could tell you a specific date from a concert or a something that happened 20 years ago, it was remarkable. One of the things I enjoyed most about Jay was his intelligence, and in many different areas. He truly had a beautiful mind and if you knew him, you know what I mean.
I’ll never forget my wedding day as it was almost wedding time a woman knocked on the bridal suite door and said, “We’ve got a problem. There is a man in the chapel with his dog sitting on a pew.” I calmly looked at her and said, “It’s ok Donna they were BOTH invited.”  so Gus sat through my wedding ceremony on the pew just like he was human and didn’t make a peep. That memory will always make me smile.
Jay was my friend, my buddy. I’m going to miss him, that smile, and that chuckle.
I’m sure if you knew him he was your friend too, that’s who Jay was.
Please feel free in the comments to leave any story, memory, or picture you have of Jay. I’m sure everyone would love to read them.
Love,
Lauren and The Camp crew
Jay’s Visitation
Thursday September 10th
5 to 7 pm
Cotrell Willow Ridge
1100 Iron Bridge Road
Poplar Bluff, Mo 63901
