Mesa, Arizona
WINFREY, Stephen Jay 58, passed away on May 3, 2013. Born December 20, 1954, at Fort Carson, CO. Jay is survived by his mother, Jean, daughter Amber, son Michael, brother Joel (Darla) Winfrey, sister Joellen (Mike) Barriga, 10 nieces and nephews, and is preceded in death by his father, Joseph L. Winfrey. In Arizona since an infant, Jay graduated from McClintock High School in Tempe and attended Mesa Community College. Jay joined the Mesa Police Department in 1976, and worked as a detective in homicide, narcotics, and robbery as well as an investigator for the Maricopa County Attorney's office. Jay was an AZPOST certified trainer in firearms, defensive tactics, and pursuit driving and trained recruits and veteran officers. Jay retired from the MPD in 1997, but his adventurous spirit led him to serve three years in Kosovo as a UN police trainer and one year in Afghanistan training Afghan National Police. Most recently Jay was employed at Mesa Community College as a public safety supervisor. Jay enjoyed so many things in life - traveled and skied throughout Europe, fishing in Alaska, motorbike vacations with friends, an avid hunter, accomplished archer, and just hanging out with friends and family. Jay was most happy 4-wheeling with his daughter, spending time with his son, and traveling and biking with his closest friends Steve Corich, Lynn Bray, and Bob Hajek and many others. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 25th, 6:30pm at Viewpoint Golf Resort, 650 N. Hawes Rd., Mesa. Sign the Guest Book ateastvalleytribune.com
This obituary was originally published in the East Valley Tribune.
It’s been almost 10 years since we lost you, Dad. There is so much I wish I could tell you. A lot of the decisions I’ve made as I’ve grown into a woman were made because I knew they would make you so proud. Sometimes I come here just to read this and sit in the impact that you made while you are here. I love and miss you so much. Merry Christmas and happy early birthday❤ -Your Daughter
Amber
December 02, 2022 | Daughter
Bro. You are much loved. The impact you had on the lives of friends and family were evident yesterday (5/25/13) at your Celebration of LIfe...a packed house! Love you, Sis
May 26, 2013
