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Jay Moring Obituary

December 29, 1922 -February 13, 2011 Born December 29, 1922 in Bluff City, Kansas, Jay Moring was the youngest of Charles and Mary Ellen Moring's six children. The family moved from Kansas to Rockyford, Colorado, then later to Los Angeles where he graduated from Lincoln High School in 1941. In 1943 he joined the Army Air Force cadet program, earning his wings as a radar navigator/bombardier. When WWII ended, he enrolled in the architectural program at USC and met and married Beatrice (Bea) Blakeney, his wife of 64 years. After graduating from USC, he worked for several architectural and engineering firms in the LA area. He designed their first family home in Pasadena in 1951. In January, 1954, he and Bea, along with toddler son Barry and infant daughter Becky, moved to Visalia where he practiced architecture, with great pleasure, for the rest of his life. He was one of the founding architects of Octagon Associates in 1970. During this time, he also taught in College of the Sequoias' architectural program. One of life's great pleasures for Jay was seeing these young talented students fulfill their potential and become architects. In 1984, Jay retired from Octagon, but continued an active practice, designing many residential, commercial and institutional buildings in the San Joaquin Valley. A highlight for him was acting as project architect on the Fox Theater Restoration. He loved his adopted home of Visalia. Because Jay served tirelessly on several civic committees, including the City Beautification Committee for the Chamber of Commerce, Visalia is a more beautiful city today. He was a member of the Visalia United Methodist Church, a member and past president of the San Joaguin Valley American Institute of Architects, American Society of Landscape Architects and an active, longtime member and past president of the Sequoia Lion's Club. He is survived by his wife, Bea; son Barry (Jan); daughter Becky Clark (John) and 2 grandchildren, Cody and Renee Clark. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Visalia United Methodist Church (5200 W. Caldwell, Visalia, 93291), The Boys and Girls Club (215 W. Tulare Ave, Visalia, CA 93277) or a charity of your choice. Messages to the family may be sent to [email protected]

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

Published by Visalia Times-Delta on Feb. 16, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Jay Moring

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Van Bailey

February 18, 2011

Dear Mrs Moring, Becky & Barry,

My sincere condolences on Jay's passing. His many contributions to the community of Visalia and its residents will leave a lasting legacy.

February 18, 2011

My sympathy, Bea, to you and your family. Jay was one of the ones all will remember well. I know he touched many lives. My Jim, passed away 20 years ago on February 13,1991. You and Jay were both a great support to me and my family during our loss. Thank you. Fondly, Susan Spears

Bill Bettencourt

February 17, 2011

I had the honor and pleasure of working with Jay at COS and as a member of the Sequoias Lions Club. He was a wonderful man with great integrity and patience. He was a very positive person and a great teacher. He will be missed.

Belinda Martin

February 17, 2011

Children are a direct reflection of their parents. He leaves a wonderful legacy of loving people.

Sharon Barrett

February 17, 2011

My most heartfelt sympathies to the Moring family. Jay was a wonderful person and will be missed.

Becky & Greg Hoskins

February 17, 2011

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Mary & Stephen Witherspoon

February 16, 2011

Our deepest condolences to the Moring Family. Jay will be greatly missed as a friend and neighbor. He was like a dad to us as well as as neighbor. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time of loss.

Gerard Homer

February 16, 2011

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Bea and family at the loss of Jay. He was a wonderful partner, mentor, and friend. We will miss him. God bless you all. Gerard and Cindy Homer

Tim Powell

February 16, 2011

My deepest condolences to Bea and the Family. Jay was a huge influence on my Professional Life as well as my personal life and will be sorely missed by all that new him. He was a great Architect, Mentor, Boss and person and was one the most positive individuals that I will ever know. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Don & Janine Becker

February 16, 2011

We will miss Jay. He was a good neighbor. We remember on his many walks in years past, that he would always be thinking of something that could improve the area. Our thoughts are with the family.

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