J. V. Starkey, as he was known, was born and grew up in Robertson County, Texas. One of his teachers in Franklin High School was an uncle who had a great influence on this nephew. He instilled in him a desire for knowledge, which resulted in always exploring and stretching his mind. As a young man, he ventured west to New Mexico and stopped by the farm of relatives of his brothers-in-law. It was almost dusk, no one was home and the cows hadn't been milked. J. V. milked the cows and the pails of milk were on the back porch when John and Ada Snider and their daughter, Lois, returned home. It was harvest time and extra hands were always welcome so J. V. stayed to help. By the time the crops had been put by, J. V. was like one of the family, in fact he soon was. He married the farmer' daughter, Lois. They lived on farm land nearby and three children were born. J. V. tilled the soil but the great depression had hit and times were hard. J. V. found his direction for life when a Junior College opened in Portales, New Mexico. He enrolled in classes, worked on the college farm and as a city patrolman at night. Lois was an excellent cook and took in boarders. The college soon became a four year university, Eastern New Mexico University, and J. V. was in an early graduating class. With his degree, he began a lifetime career as an educator. He taught in the Portales Public Schools for many years. Later, he and Lois lived in and operated a home for boys in New Mexico until Lois's health began to decline. During the long period before her death, J. V. cared for her even learning how to operated medical equipment necessary for her to remain at home. J. V. remarried and returned to his roots in Robertson County, Texas, where his second spouse died and he married the third time, The third spouse was in declining health when J. V. died. He was buried beside the second wife near the graves of his parents and siblings. The second and third marriages provided home comfort and companionship but 'the farmer's daughter' remained the love of his life. He is remembered with affection as 'Uncle Jay' by nieces and nephews.
- Blanche Ada Keating Collie, niece by marriage

Spouses:
1. Lois Adaline Snider Starkey 1910-1959
2. Thelma Mavis Starkey 1910-1987
3. Estelle Viola Crawford Bynum 1910-2001

Children by Lois Adaline Snider Starkey:
John Harrell Starkey, Dr.
Robert Earl Starkey
Lois June Starkey Gilbreath