Honoring the Life of Woody Herman Hersey Jr.

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved Woody Herman Hersey, Jr., to friends and family we called him Jay, who was born on September 10, 1973, and passed away on July 8, 2026.

Jay was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. He graduated from Ruskin High School and attended Missouri Western University before deciding to dedicate more than 20 years of his life to serving his community as a police officer for Johnson County Community College. He wore the badge with pride, believing in protecting others and making a difference in the lives of those around him. His commitment to service was only matched by his devotion to his family.

Jay was a loving father to his four children—Leonidas Hersey, Swayze Hersey, Mathias Hersey, and Santana Hersey. He was a cherished son to Delores Hersey Wemimo and a devoted brother to Anthony Hersey and Andrew Hersey. Above all else, Woody valued family, discipline, integrity, and community.

Those who knew Jay will remember his infectious sense of humor and the way he could make others laugh through difficult times. He enjoyed taking long drives with his family, attending family reunions, playing video games, and cheering on his beloved Kansas City Chiefs every football season. He was a remarkable artist and loved drawing comic book superheroes. With every sketch, his characters showcased his imagination, creativity, and talent.

To his family, Jay was more than a father, son, and brother—he was their protector. He always put the needs of others before his own and leaves behind a legacy of strength, love, and unwavering dedication.

As we navigate this unimaginable loss, we are asking for your support to help cover the costs of Jay's funeral and memorial services. Any donation, no matter the amount, will help ease the financial burden on our family during this difficult time. If you are unable to donate, we kindly ask that you keep our family in your thoughts and prayers and share this fundraiser with others.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support as we celebrate Jay's life and honor the incredible man, he was. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of his family, friends, colleagues, and everyone whose life he touched.

With heartfelt gratitude,

The Hersey Family