James (Jay) Eckert died on July 28 at the age of 69. He was the only son of the late Floyd (Ray) Eckert and Dorothy (Pyle) Eckert of California, Missouri.

As a child, Jay lived all over the United States and Canada as his father was a professional wrestler and the family moved frequently. Jay spent over 40 years in law enforcement both at the local and federal level. He started his career in St. Louis Missouri as an officer for the St. Louis Police Department, then moved on to Scottsbluff Nebraska, where he served as the city's Chief of Police. From there, he joined the United States Secret Service, living in numerous jurisdictions and serving under several presidents and providing details for both foreign and United States dignitaries. After 22 years with the United States Secret Service, he moved on to the Inspector Generals Office of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service as a polygraph examiner. He retired in 2002.

Jay was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, canoeing, swimming and numerous other activities.

He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Jeane (Hinckley); his daughter, Colette Cross; his sons, Rick Eckert, Todd Miller and Greg Miller; as well as his grandchildren, Parker and Lilian Cross and Ryan Miller.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 5th at 3:00pm at the Barranco & Sons, P.A. Severna Park Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Highway, Severna Park, MD. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SPCA of Anne Arundel County, P. O. Box 3471 Annapolis, MD 21403 or to The Association of Former Agents Of the U.S. Secret Service. Donations should be made payable to "FAFAUSSS" and mailed to Kathy Rinkenberger, Executive Director, 525 SW 5th Street, Suite A, Des Moines, IA 50309 Online condolences may be made at www.barrancofuneralhome.com