Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Jay Sexton Obituary
The Villages, FL
The Honorable Jay Wesley Sexton, II, aged 74, died of cancer on August 20, 2016 in The Villages, Florida surrounded by family he loved dearly. Born in Muskegon, MI, on June 18, 1942, he was the son of the late Lawrence and Elizabeth Sexton of St. Johns, MI. Jay resided in Lansing for more than 40 years and was a kind and honorable man who will be greatly missed by friends and family. He enjoyed yoga, sailing, painting, cooking, and travel.
Judge Sexton practiced administrative law for 37 years in the Michigan Department of Social Services. He held degrees from Albion College (AB '64), University of Michigan (MBA '66) and Indiana University (JD '69). He served on the Advisory Board of the American Youth Foundation, the Board of the American Association of Acupuncture, and the Albion College Alumni Board, where he established a scholarship honoring his grandfather, Jay W. Sexton (Albion 1901), who was superintendent of Lansing Public Schools 1916-1943.
Jay is survived by his life partner, Jody Wren of The Villages, FL; his daughter, Andrea Sexton of Laingsburg, MI; Andrea's mother, Lora Bruder (Jon Kazsuk) of Williamston, MI; step-children, Emily Sanders (Andrew) Steczo of Atlanta, GA and Brian Sanders of Portland, OR; sisters, Carolyn (Larry) Aldrich of Phoenix, AZ and Mary Elizabeth Barnette of Traverse City, MI; and grandson, Andrew Wesley Steczo.
A memorial will be held at Reed Cemetery in Victor Township, MI on October 9, 2016 at 2:00 pm. Gifts in Jay's name may be directed to the American Cancer Association or Hospice House. Online condolences welcomed at www.BaldwinCremation.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jay Sexton
Lora Bruder
September 19, 2025
Miss you Jay! The grandsons are growing fast and know you´re in heaven and our hearts. David said that. "Papa Jay lives in our hearts."
Lora
September 19, 2024
Still missing you every day Jay. Your three grandsons would loved to have met you. We talk about you often. They will know you as much as possible. May you be RIP. I feel your presence. BTW The St Clair Inn is my favorite GoTo getaway
Lora
September 19, 2023
Jay, you are missed... we love you
Lora Bruder
September 19, 2022
Jay is so dearly missed every day but we know he is with us at various occasions his presence is felt. Oh how I wished he was here to hold and enjoy his grandchildren. I am comforted to know he will protect them from the other side of the veil. We hope he and his bff, and Andrea´s godfather, Tom are enjoying one another´s company and catching up on the latest news. Tom just recently joined Jay. We love and miss you terribly Jay. RIP and be well.
Bill Burnham
October 7, 2016
Jay was my first supervising lawyer when I first clerked for Legal Aid of Kent County in 1971. Very interesting guy and a great human being. When I came back as a staff attorney at the Legal Aid Society, he let me sleep on his couch until I could find an apartment as I was settling into Grand Rapids. I am shocked to hear of his death. I am so happy to hear that he found a life partner, as he, at that time (1973), led a kind of bereft existence.
Al Baszler
October 1, 2016
I worked with Jay for 25 years. He always wore a smile and could lift your spirits just by being around. He was a generous man and a great friend. I will miss him.
Lori Slaughter
September 29, 2016
My condolences to Judge Sexton's family-
I am so sorry for your loss.
Judge Sexton was the administrative judge for many of the unemployment hearings I represented at.
Lori Slaughter
Jill Hoppes
September 27, 2016
As a coworker of Jay's, I remember him bringing his young daughter Andrea to work with him on "bring your daughter to work day." He was so proud of you Andrea and you were a delight to all of us. May you find comfort in your memories of your Dad and in the many prayers and well wishes being sent for you and your family.
Cheryl Aikens
September 26, 2016
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Lora Bruder
September 25, 2016
Jay so wanted to continue living. Although his body is gone his spirit lives very energized in us. We miss him dearly. Love, Lora and Jon
Howard Finkel
September 25, 2016
I knew Jay as a colleague. His integrity as an administrative law judge was unquestioned. He treated everyone with respect. He made a positive contribution to the common good.
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
Make a Donation
in Jay Sexton's name
Memorial Events
for Jay Sexton
How to support Jay's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Jay Sexton's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
