Leggett, Jay Michael
Jay Michael Leggett, age 50, of Los Angeles, CA, and formerly of Tomahawk, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 23, 2013. Jay was born August 9, 1963, in Tomahawk, WI, to Jack and Judy (Hildebrand) Leggett.
Jay grew up in Tomahawk where he attended St. Mary's Catholic School and first launched his entertainment career while singing in the choir. He graduated from Tomahawk High School in 1981 and throughout his high school career, he was active in the drama and music departments and was a member of the "Colanhi Singers" based at Grace Lutheran Church, Tomahawk. In his senior year, he was the recipient of the Tomahawk Community Youth of the Year Award for leadership excellence. After his high school graduation, Jay attended college at UW-Stevens Point, graduating in 1986 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. He then began his lifelong pursuit in the entertainment industry. Jay's early career included working in Chicago, learning improvisational comedy under Del Close at the Improv Olympic. He was also a member of the Blue Velveeta Comedy Team, where he further honed his improvisational comedy skills. Jay's work brought him to New York, London and Toronto among other cities, and in 1993, he settled in Los Angeles, California. He shared his love for improvisational comedy by teaching others through workshops and courses at venues large and small for more than 15 years.
Jay was an accomplished television and film actor, director, producer and screenwriter. Early in his career, he wrote stage shows such as "Tony and Tina's Wedding", "Tony and Tony's Wedding", and more recently, he directed the revival of "National Lampoon's Lemmings." Jay also appeared in numerous TV programs including "In Living Color," "Mario and the Mob," "Ally McBeal," "ER," "Star Trek Voyager," "Factory," and "The Drew Carey Show." He wrote, costarred, and produced several films including "Employee of the Month," which was a selection to the Sundance Film Festival in 2004, and co-wrote the film "Without a Paddle". In 2010, Jay produced and directed a documentary titled "To the Hunt," which gave viewers a look into the hunting culture through the stories of several different hunting shacks in Lincoln County.
Jay was a voracious reader, talented cook, avid hunter who enjoyed spending time with his family at the hunting shack. His culinary skills surfaced for many years at the AZ/WI/NV Snowbirds Picnic where he was well known for his venison fondue. Every year for Thanksgiving at his hunting shack, he prepared the Thanksgiving meal for numerous family and friends. Jay was a dedicated Green Bay Packer fan and everyone that really knew him would tell you he had Green and Gold running through his veins. But most of all, Jay adored his hometown of Tomahawk, sharing his voice with the congregation of St. Mary's Catholic Church whenever he could, and spending time with family and friends.
Jay is survived by his parents, Jack and Judy Leggett, of Tomahawk; 2 brothers, Joseph (with Jan Omernik) Leggett, of Tomahawk and Josh (Karla) Leggett, of Oshkosh. He is further survived by his two special godchildren, Justin Leggett and Miranda Leggett; nephews, Jordan Leggett and Jack Leggett; and his godmother, Roberta Meyer. Jay is further survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his brother, Jerod Leggett, and his grandparents, Worlen and May Leggett and Edward and Muriel Hildebrand.
A Memorial Mass for Jay Leggett will be held Saturday, December 7, 2013, at 1:00 P.M. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Tomahawk. Rev. John Anderson will officiate. The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday from 11:00 A.M. until the time of Mass at 1:00 P.M. Generations Funeral Home and Crematory of Tomahawk is assisting the family with arrangements. View obituary and leave online condolences at generationsfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to the St. Mary's Legacy Campaign.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
He was a funny guy, may he rest in peace
S Tucker
October 8, 2018
Jay was a dear man of great talent. He always gave his best to everyone and will be greatly missed. R.I.P. Jay.
Stephanie Conner
Friend
September 27, 2018
Valenda Newell
November 9, 2016
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Harry Simpson
November 23, 2015
To Jay Leggett,
You were a very talented actor and comedian. My prayers go to your family and friends.Lisa Weiner
Lisa Weiner
July 28, 2014
I always have happy church choir memories of Jay as well as school memories
He was a treasured facebook friend these last few years. We traded laughs and online support as I mourned a loss myself. I was so proud he followed his dreams amd was able to remain our laughing, loving Jay. I am truely missing my friend.
LINDA Cottrell Noland
February 28, 2014
To the entire Leggett family, may Jay rest in peace in the arms of our Savior.
Bill Smith
December 8, 2013
Josh, I was so sad to hear about your Brother. When you were my Supervisor many years ago we all watched Jay on The Drew Berry show. We were so excited to talk about Him the next day.
my thoughts and prayers go to you and your family.
Jeri De Keyser--De Pere WI
December 7, 2013
Jay I will never forget our days together at UWSP and how you could make me laugh until I cried. I will miss your sense of humor. May your family find peace in your passing and joy at knowing how many lives you have touched in your time with us. RIP my friend!!
Mary Ringer-Gallegos
December 5, 2013
I didn't know Jay personally, but I heard him sing in the subway tunnels more than 20 years ago. He had the voice of an angel. I'd always let a few trains go by just so I could listen to his incredible voice for a few more minutes before going to work. My deepest sympathy to his loved ones. He was amazing.
Nancy Visocki
December 2, 2013
Folks here in the Redwood Empire will miss you.
Rebecca Foster
December 1, 2013
I was a classmate of Jay's at UWSP. He was a great guy, and lots of fun. I have enjoyed learning of his success in Hollywood these past several years. He will be missed by all who knew him. I send my deepest condolences to his family.
Gail Paschall
December 1, 2013
So sad. I didn't know he had passed. R.I.P.
Lisa Wells
November 30, 2013
I send my condolences to the family of Jay Leggett, may all the funny laughter of him remains in your hearts forever as you draw close to God and He will draw close to you at this difficult time.- James 4:8.
Margaret
November 30, 2013
Jay is the best. Who made people laugh. Rest in peace. My friend. Your in a wonderful. Place. Now.so make them laugh. My friend.
debora
November 29, 2013
We'll miss you !
Adrian Barnette
November 29, 2013
My sympathies for the loss of Jay. He was a wonderful comedian on a groundbreaking show. May thoughts are with his family.
Thomas
November 29, 2013
May the God and Father of true peace and tender mercy grant your family a calm and firm heart giving you everlasting comfort and hope.
2 Thessalonians 2:17
November 28, 2013
Jay brought laughter and sunshine in many lives. We will remember you during this holiday season. We enjoyed knowing him when we lived in Tomahawk.
Cary & Brenda Bresie
Brenda Bresie
November 28, 2013
God Bless you, Jay. Now you can enjoy the show from the best seat in the house. You will be missed, but always remembered so fondly.
Cynthia Coulthurst Welling
November 28, 2013
The family is in my prayers. Psalms 37:11
November 28, 2013
My condolences to the family and may you be comforted in knowing that Almighty God promises that death, pain and sorrow will be no more. ?? With Sympathy
Alexander's
November 27, 2013
Wow, I didn't know he was 50. I guess laughter is Good for the soul and Body! Thank you for all the many laughs you gave us. To the family, thank you for sharing him with us.
Troy Sanders
November 27, 2013
The loss of a loved one can be so hard. Please have comfort in God 's love. 1 Cor. 15:26
November 27, 2013
Jay and I met by happenstance at a car rental counter at MSP. It was a rainy July night 4 summers ago. Our flights to WI had been cancelled. He needed to get home for a baptism. I needed to get home to visit with relatives from Jersey. I got the last rental car of the night. We began chatting...I
offered him to share my rental. He accepted. Complete strangers shared a lot of conversation during that 3 hour road trip to Wausau. Family was most important to Jay. He loved his work , he loved his family. Jay's parents met us at Fleet Farm ...he wrote me a check for half the rental price...we really paid premium for that last car! Jay was a delight to know for those few hours. My heartfelt sympathy to his family. May God rest his wonderful soul. Sincere condolences, Diane Waldinger
,
Diane Waldinger
November 27, 2013
May the peace of God be with you during this time of sadness.
November 27, 2013
If this is the same person, I remember hearing him sing and playing guitar in the subways of the Red Line here in Chicago. He was good. He had a very sweet tenor singing voice. He'll be missed.
Maureen Brill
November 27, 2013
rip
michelle plakas-kaiser
November 27, 2013
IN GODS CARE REST IN PEACE
Debora
November 27, 2013
Way too young! I enjoyed his work very much. Prayers for his family!
Tam B
November 27, 2013
Rest in Peace
November 26, 2013
in God's care rest in peace
Dwayne Bickham
November 26, 2013
Family
I enjoyed his humor he was great he will be missed
JoAnn Gamble
November 26, 2013
Our condolences to Jay's parents, brothers, family and friends. Jay made thw world a better place to be. The angels welcomed him to paradise. Rest in peace.
Fans
November 26, 2013
Terry Souder
November 26, 2013
May it be a comfort to know that God and others care. Sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
November 26, 2013
To the Leggett family
I am sorry to hear of your loss.
In the near future God will bring a complete change, death will be no more, tears and pain will be no more.
R R
November 26, 2013
My deepest sorrow and tears to the family of the deceased. May these words bring you hope and consolation: "...Hear the promise God has made: He will call; the dead will answer. They shall live at his command. For he has a longing for the work of his own hand..." See John 14: 13-15, John 6: 40; 11: 11, 43; Jas. 4: 14
FM Brandon, FL
November 26, 2013
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