Obituary of Frank J. Gould III

It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to Frank "Jay" Gould III, a cherished father, devoted partner, and friend who passed away peacefully on Monday, April 1, 2024 surrounded by loved ones. Born on February 6, 1942 in St. Paul, MN, he was the son of the late Frank J. and Mina Jane Gould Jr. of Kiantone, NY. Jay was a man known for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment to those he held dearly. Jay was a graduate of Shattuck St. Mary's School. He was a lifetime farmer and also co-owner of Chautauqua Perennial Gardens. He worked at the Chautauqua County Soil and Water Conservation District for many years as well. Jay was an avid outdoorsman and participated in many hunting trips out west. He could also be found following his beloved Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres teams. Gould was first elected to the Chautauqua County Legislature in 2000 and served for 22 years until retiring in 2022 to spend time in Florida during the winter months. Jay was the chairman of the Audit and Control Committee. He also served as chairman of the legislature from 2012-2016. Before that, he served 12 years on the Harmony Town Board. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by four siblings: Ransford Ray Gould II, Michele (Gould) Murray, Jacqueline (Gould) Johnson, and Suzanne Gould. He is survived by his cherished partner in years past, Kay (Rendell) Gould, and more recently Emily Runge with whom he made his home and loved dearly. Jay was a devoted father to two children: Jeannine (Edward) Mills of Citra, FL and Frank Jess (Carrie) Gould IV of Ashville, NY; four grandchildren: Collin Mills of Nashville, TN, and Aurora, Xander, and Stella Gould, all of Ashville, NY; and two brothers; Scott (Mary Bosek) Gould of Bemus Point, NY, Joel W. Gould of Rock Hill, SC, and a sister, Janette Martin Gould of Grand Junction, CO. He was also a loving uncle to many nieces and nephews. May Jay's soul find eternal peace and may his memory continue to shine brightly in our hearts. Friends will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday in the Lind Funeral Home. A private family graveside service will be held in Lake View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Panama Volunteer Fire Department, or to the Future Farmers of America in memory of Frank Jay Gould III.