Jay Dee Schelbitzki

Jay Schelbitzki Obituary

The gentle and humorous spirit of Jay Dee Schelbitzki, 54, passed from us after nearly five years battling cancer. Jay passed peacefully and comfortably under the care of hospice at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital on November 27, 2010. He is preceded in death by his father Lloyd D. Schelbitzki; and is survived by his life-partner, Myke Sandlin; mother Ione J. Schebitzki (NE); siblings JeNeane Dodson (NE), Penni Bruning (NE), Audene Bird (CO), and Layne Schelbitzki (NE); his two Cairn Terriers, Lu'ke and Kaleo; and his Santa Rosa and Maui ohana. Jay was raised in rural Nebraska and achieved recognition of Valedictorian in 1975 at Bruning Public School. He moved to San Francisco in the early 80's as the lead singer/song writer of his New Wave group, Zoo-Z. After the group's disbanding, Jay's artistic talents lead him to the textile industry, fabricating décor for a luxury hotel in Las Vegas. Moving from SF after his partner, Jack Gilliam, passed, Jay settled in Sonoma County. In early 2001, he met his life-partner, Myke, sharing their lives together for nearly 10 years in Santa Rosa, but called Maui his second home. Jay's passions and talents were showcased in many ways; the tropical landscaping at their home in Santa Rosa, on signs and murals across the country he designed as graphic artist while employed at Identity Services, in his extensive glass object collection, and in his outdoor adventures which snorkeling in Hawai'i was one of his favorites. A Tiki Party in celebration of Jay's life will be held at his home in Santa Rosa, Saturday, Dec 4th, starting at 2:00 p.m.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Press Democrat from Dec. 3 to Dec. 6, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Jay Schelbitzki

9 Entries

Patrick Engler

November 27, 2023

Patrick Engler

November 27, 2023

I have such great memories of Jay. We met in Lincoln Nebraska at Ticos Mexican restaurant on 17th & M street. Jay & I were both prep cooks. Once we started working together we became friends, I loved Jay´s humor and his creative mind. We eventually became roommates and had a few wild parties. His Zoo-Z friends would come over and set the band up down in the basement and play half the night, our parties were always a great success!! One day Jay told me that he & his band members were going to move to San Francisco and try to make it as Zoo-Z. Several months went buy & then I heard from Jay, he said he was coming back for a few days ( I think he went home to see his mom, dad & family) His band members/friends also came with him so when it was time to leave I packed my suitcase and went with, I thought I needed to get out of Nebraska & going with friends made it much easier. Jay had already been paying rent on a house in Hayward California. I was only there for a month or so because I really couldn´t find work & I was so homesick. After I moved back home I lost touch with Jay & I now feel so bad about that Jay had such a creative mind and I loved everything he did. Once I was back in Lincoln months later I received this Zoo-Z 45 rpm and I will treasure it forever.
Rest in peace my friend.
Patrick

Patrick Engler

January 19, 2023

I've been looking for Jay for year's, we worked together at Tico´s in Lincoln Nebraska in the 80´s. I'm heart broken to find that Jay is no longer with us. He did give me one of his Zoo-Z 45 rpm records and still have his letters when he moved from Lincoln to California...I´ll cherish them forever. I loved Jay and I wish we hadn´t lost touch. I´ll see you again someday Jay.
Love Patrick

Alesia Spangler

December 23, 2010

Jay, we are missing you this holiday season as we get out our pretty textiles that you created and we think of how happy you made us all, but especially Myke! Love and hugs to you and I hope you have met up with your dad and maybe even Rocker :)

Tammy Vega

December 14, 2010

Jay, you're finally at peace... you will be will be missed by many!

December 7, 2010

Of course you were just the cutest baby brother ever as the youngest, spoiled??, sibling in our fun family. All my friends always wanted you to stay in Omaha with me so they could experience the joy of a much younger brother! I loved when you and Penni would visit--once riding the train by yourselves!!! Will miss your late night phone calls,[which is early in Calif!]. So happy you are at peace. Love, JeNeane

Stacy Lutjemeyer

December 6, 2010

Uncle Jay, always enjoyed seeing you when you came home to visit us back in NE. You were a creative person who enjoyed life! Glad your pain is over. With love, Stacy

Bambi Wooten

December 6, 2010

Jay, we were destined to be friends. I'll miss you but now I have someone to meet me when I go. Love never dies, and nor shall you.

December 3, 2010

Aloha Jay. I will miss you great sense of humor and smiling face. I shall see you again, I am sure. Much Aloha, Su Campos

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