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Jeffery Jay Obituary
AUGUSTA, GA - Ret. Lt. Col. Jeffery James Jay (Jeff), 62, passed away Saturday, August 23, 2014 surrounded by his family at the Augusta VA Medical Center.
Born December 21, 1951, in Honolulu, HI, he is the son of Robert Carey Jay (predeceased) and Mildred (Don-Lim) Jay-Sanders.
His siblings include brothers, Brad Jay (predeceased), Graylin Jay (Joy), and sister, Iwalani Jay Foster (Carroll). His two children are son, Matthew Jay (Sarah) with granddaughter, Sadie Jay, and daughter, Leilani Margaret Mikula (George) with grandchildren Henry & Rebecca Mikula.
Jeff was student body President, Aiken High School '70 and a '74 graduate of The Citadel and member of the Junior Sword Drill. He served his country in the US Air Force active and reserve and also held a Master's Degree in Management & Human Relations.
A godly man, he was baptized at Woodlawn Baptist Church.
Jeff probably owns the longest professional profile in LinkedIn history. Browsing through his 40+ years of achievements, memberships, certifications and other contributions to people and organizations, you'll find it surprising (or maybe not) that this energetic, passionate 62 year old visionary still saw himself with a 20 year plan - just on the cusp on the next series of breakthroughs.
He embodied a quote from French author, Andre Gide, "Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore."
Jeff was a man of courage, optimism and inspiration whose light was infectious and wide-spread, nationally and inter-nationally.
Jeff truly cared about and engaged people - young or old, whether it was with those he worked with regularly, or whether it was his first time meeting them. He saw the great potential in the creativity, energy, and fresh perspective of young adults; he made it a point to regularly engage these individuals to help develop their careers. It is believed that this is what kept him so young.
Jeff loved life and always enjoyed new experiences - whether that came in the form of his first shot of Goldschlager one New Years, outwitting you in a game of poker, or keeping things so fresh and so clean with his fashionable wardrobe. Jeff brought smiles and laughter to many. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. The light he brought to this world will now be carried on by those he inspired and loved.
A celebration of his life will commence at 10:30 AM Saturday, September 6, 2014 at Rose Hill Estate, 221 Greenville St. NW, Aiken, SC. Reception to follow.
As a true tribute to Jeff's vibrant life and Hawaiian heritage, the attire will be Aloha or casual wear.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jeffery Jay
Brenda Kelly
August 27, 2020
I can't believe it has been 6 years since we lost Jay! I still remember him when I think of the work (teambuilding exercises) we did together. He is remembered fondly by many friends and coworkers. Jeff was a passionate person in everything he undertook. His presence is missed by many. My thoughts and prayers to his family who miss him most of all.
Brenda Kelly
August 27, 2019
It's hard to believe Jeff has been gone so many years. I still think of him when I am remember projects we worked on together. Jeff was a special person and will always be remembered by those that knew and loved him best. His personality was always upbeat and positive and you could not be "down" in his presence. He is now a shining light in God's presence. He is missed by all.
Lisa Bland
September 11, 2014
So sorry to hear about Jeff. He was always "on" and always encouraging. Your family is in our prayers.
Kathy Newton Newton
September 8, 2014
I was so very sorry to hear of the passing of Jeff. He truly was "one of a kind" and kind hearted. He never met a stranger and had the gift of a wonderful vocabulary, and could speak to anyone, anywhere. I was ill this weekend, and would not have been able to attend his memorial service. My father, John Newton,Sr., knew Jeff's father very well, and thought the world of him. We both lost our fathers' when they were too young to leave us children, and I found it interesting that Jeff was born on December 21. My father passed away on December 21st, years ago.... as did the author of "Amazing Grace", and his name was John Newton, who also enjoyed the high seas!
Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ps. 55:22
September 8, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Kelly and Charles Reid
September 6, 2014
We are sending our love and prayers to the remarkable Jay family. Your intellectual curiosity, positive attitudes, and, most importantly, your love for one another and for all those around you is an inspiration. Mildred - what a matriarch you are. Peace be with you all today.
Bill & Angie Watters
September 6, 2014
Our condolences to the Jay family at this difficult time. Sorry we could not come to today's memorial service for Jeff, but our thought and prayers are with you. In His love, Bill and Angie Watters
Edwin Groover
September 6, 2014
My life was made a bit more meaningful by knowing Jeff. He will be sorely missed by all who came to talk with him about all things specific and all things about life in general.
Craig Turnbow
September 5, 2014
I had the privilege of meeting and working with Jeff this past year at the Vogtle project. I was impressed with his passion for his work, his quest for knowledge, and his commitment to excellence. I enjoyed our talks and his input on how to make things better. He became my friend in a very short time, and he will be sorely missed. My condolences to his family and his many other friends. As others have already said, he made the world a better place. What a tremendous legacy for such a fine person!!
Bruce Cadotte
September 5, 2014
I had never, in my working years, met as wonderful a person to be associated with. If Jeff had the ball, there were no worries. His cheerful and upbeat attitude made everything easier. I know he will be deeply missed.
Bill & Rochelle Kamaka Kessinger
September 5, 2014
Auntie Millie, our condolences and prayers are with you and the family. Memories of family gatherings spent together will always be with me. I will miss him dearly.
Anna Kamaka King
September 5, 2014
Sending our love to the ohana. We will miss Jeff! God bless and much Aloha, Anna & Ohana
Brian Ivy
September 4, 2014
What a wonderful person to be around. Loved him like he was my brother. Full of life. Heaven is the real winner here. I will miss him.
Pastor Milton Denmark
September 4, 2014
Jeff was very positive about his job and greeting people with kindness.My prayers goes out to the Family and know that God's love is everlasting and He will give you strength.Co-worker at Plant Vogtle
glenn tjon
September 4, 2014
my condolences and prayers to his family. a long time friend and millie , i am so sorry about jeff loss
Jerry Stafford
September 4, 2014
can't remember Jeff without that infectious smile, limitless energy - he is missed by many, but now Heaven is a better place.
Gerald Stallings
September 4, 2014
I had the privilege of working with Jeff on several projects in our professional careers, and the honor of knowing him more as a friend in our personal lives. I'm thankful for the opportunity and the experience for having known such a wonderful person. My condolence goes out to the family, and I pray God's blessings and strength for all that knew Jeff.
Kathleen Pilz
September 4, 2014
Memories of Jeff takes me back to the small town of Montmorenci, SC and Aiken High. Jeff could light up a room with that smile. He was a smart kid that grew into an intelligent, caring man that will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Prayers for his family. He is sharing that smile with the other angels now. Yes, Jeff,I will Remember You.
Mary Jones
September 4, 2014
Jeff was truly passionate about his work at Vogtle. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kelli Cagle
September 4, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Jeff was such an inspiration to me when I came to work at Vogtle welcoming me with his smile and enthusiasm. He was always willing to lend an ear to provide support and guidance. I will truly miss my friend Jeff.
Diane R. Shelton
September 4, 2014
I was so shocked and saddened to learn of Jeff's passing. He was truly a wonderful person who will be missed by so many. The loss of Jeffery Jay is Heaven's gain. My condolences and prayers to his family.
Kathy Treadway
September 3, 2014
Jeff was one of the most kind and loving people I have ever known. I will always remember his smile. He was kind to all of the people he knew. Jeff was one of the best people Imhave ever known. My life is better from having known him.
Kathy Treadway
September 3, 2014
Jeff was one of the most wonderful people I have ever known. He was kind to all and I am proud to have known him. Jeff was a really wonderful person who saw only the best in people. I hope his family can find some comfort in how well he was loved and respected.
Ben Cross
September 3, 2014
Jeff was a high energy person who was passionate about making things better and helping young people live up to their potential. Jeff and I shared many hours together sharing thoughts and ideas on how to make the world a better place. It was a privilege to work with and to have him as a friend. You definitely made a positive difference in many lives.
Howard Jones
September 3, 2014
My condolences to you all. And may God and His blessings sustain you---now, and onward.
Janet Daniels
September 3, 2014
My condolences and prayers for Jeff's family and friends. He was always a sweet, positive and happy person. I worked with Jeff for several years at SRS. God bless you with comfort, strength, and loving memories of Jeff.
CARLOS FONSECA
September 3, 2014
A wonderful, compassionate and caring person. A true professional! I shall miss you my friend.
Robert Mack
September 3, 2014
I met Jeff in 1983 when we worked together at WSI and then through three other companies. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to spend a while with him in the hospital. He was immaculate; pajamas, hair, nails. I was waiting for the TV cameras to come in. I laughed with him, just like old times. Jeff made life a better place for everyone he touched. He'll always be a buddy.
Sandra Black
September 3, 2014
Nothing but great memories of Jeff what a great person. Ms.Millie my love an prayers for u an your family.
Vicky & Dennis Shepard
September 3, 2014
Jeff was always upbeat and ready to make our world a better place. We are better off for having known Jeff and being his classmate and friend for 40+ years. May God bless his family and friends during this challenging time.
Beryl Arbaugh
September 3, 2014
i am so sorry---
Rosalind Seigler Lockhart
September 2, 2014
I remember Jeff all the way back to when we rode the school bus together in grammar school. Jeff was so intelligent and successful and everyone loved him. He was so handsome and had that beautiful smile. Thank you Jeff for serving our great country and working so hard to help others succeed. You are and will be truly missed but I know Heaven is celebrating and you have joined your Dad and Bradford.
My thoughts and prayers are with all who loved you and I pray that beautiful memories will comfort them through their loss.
Mary Lynn Sebjanics Raborn
September 2, 2014
Jeff,my good friend.I will miss you greatly ! I am praying for your family for I know they will miss you.God needed you my special friend.
Boe Campbell
September 2, 2014
Jeff, and I, finished high school together. There were so many of us, and all, in our own little niche, really having no clue as to the world out there! Some of us bloomed earlier than others, had more focus, and fledged the nest, wings just a flapping, conquering goals at every turn. If more of us had been like Jeffery James Jay the world would be a lot better off. To my fellow classmate, friend, and brother in arms, I say farewell. My sympathy to the family.
September 2, 2014
Kathy and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Col Jay. He will always be remembered for his great smile and love for all people. May God bless all of you during this loss. Lt Col (Ret) Jerry S. Bishop former member of the 38th APS
Brenda Kelly
September 2, 2014
I got to know Jeff working with him at SRS. I always admired him for his upbeat attitude and positive outlook on life. He was a wonderful person that will surely be missed. He gave so much of himself to others. My condolences to the family...
Pauline Maye
September 2, 2014
Aunt Millie, I am so sorry about Jeff. I wish I had gotten to know him. Jeff sounds like someone I really would have liked. You are always in my prayers. I love you. If there's anything I can do please let me know.
Lindy Cansler
September 2, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I reconnected with Jeff while planning our class reunion. His constant smile was always there and will be missed.
Debbie Hall Gallemore
September 2, 2014
Dear Mrs . Sanders ,Matthew ,and Leilani, your son/father was a kind and wonderful person. I have many fond memories of him from Aiken High . Heaven is rejoicing at his presence . I will continue to pray for all of you . Debbie Hall Gallemore
dan rogers
September 2, 2014
Goodbye my good friend and colleague. You made a great difference in many lives.
Bruce Ivy
September 2, 2014
What a wonderful brother-in-law and person. He will be dearly missed.
Elaine Lamb-Toth
September 2, 2014
My deepest sympathy to you, Mrs. Jay-Sanders, and all of Jeff's family. He will always be remembered as one of our greatest classmates. My prayers are with you.
Becky Hollins
September 2, 2014
I am saddened to hear of Jeff's passing. Jeff always had a big smile & a kind word for everyone he met, starting all the way back to Aiken High School. Praying for your family during this difficult time. I know God is holding each of you tightly in his arms. Please know that anyone of us from the ASH Class of '70 are here for your family, anything at all we can do, please let us know. Jeff will be missed by all who knew him & I will keep praying for you family!
Laurie Cook
September 2, 2014
I am so very sorry to learn of Jeff's passing! I spent a good deal of time with Jeff working on several projects to encourage and inspire young people in the CSRA to complete school and pursue their dreams. He was a brilliant man, always three steps ahead of everyone else, but with a great mix of patience and kindness. This is indeed sad news, but Jeff leaves a wonderful legacy of service to his nation, his community, his friends, and his family. I am so pleased to have had the opportunity to work alongside him.
Pat
September 2, 2014
You have my deepest sympathy. May the God of loyal love comfort you and the family during your time of love. Psalm 119:76
Margaret Buchanan
September 2, 2014
Millie so sorry about your loss but HEAVEN is celebrating now. My prayers are with you and the family. God Bless you all.
Jerry Yates
September 2, 2014
Aunt Millie you have my condolences and are in my prayers and thoughts, give my love to the Ohana, love you
Mary Ann Blackwell Harrelson
September 2, 2014
Dear Millie and Family, I am so sorry about Jeff. My Condolances to the Family and Friends. Jeff meant a lot to all his Classmates and to all his coworkers. You can always remember Jeff by his Beautiful Smile and up beat personability. Jeff was a very special Young Man. Jeff was a go getter and inspired his co workers. Jeff will be missed by all. God be with this family today and always.
Love,
Ann
Bruce & Kathy Boatwright
September 2, 2014
My memories of Jeff was as a young boy coming in and out of the shop, always smiling and up to something. He showed energy of life and through his parents teachings the promise of a strong, independent and happy person. I know he is at peace and with his father and brother. Bruce and I are sorry for your loss. We Love You All.
Colleen Williams
September 2, 2014
May your memories of yesterday, wipe away your tears of today and bring you smiles for tomorrow. My thoughts and prayers are with Jeff's family.
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