JAY ELIOT KUSTER

October 5, 1967 March 11, 2023

Bakersfield Jay Eliot Kuster passed away on March 11th, 2023 at home with his family.

We had the privilege of loving two Jays.. Jay's life began on October 5th, 1967 in Brawley, CA, delivered by his Uncle Eli Layon MD. He moved to Bakersfield, CA with his family when he was two years old. He started playing sports at an early age, wrestling and playing little league. He attended North High School and excelled in sports earning his letters in football, basketball and track. Some of his athletic records still hold to this day. Jay had a great circle of friends and stayed close to them when he left for college. He attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and played football there his freshman year.

On April 14th, 1990 during Jay's final year in college, we lost Jay for the first time in a car accident when he suffered a traumatic brain injury returning home for an Easter visit. The accident left him in a coma for eight months. After a six month stay at the Santa Barbara Rehabilitation Hospital, he came home to Bakersfield to live with his mother. The Jay we got after that accident was a sweet loving person who enjoyed music, being around people and watching sports on TV. He loved placing bets with his stepfather on various sporting events. He almost always won and had a cupful of quarters to prove it. Even though Jay was not vocal after the accident he was able to communicate with hand signals, his smile, and his beautiful blue eyes.

Jay is survived by his devoted mother, Jeanette Cantrell, his father Gary Kuster, stepmother Karen, his big sister Robin Rengers and her husband Steve. He is also survived by his Uncle Jerry, his Auntie Marilyn (Rene), his stepsister Ellen, his stepbrothers, Andy (Judy), Greg (Lisa), Travis and Chris, and his four very special cousins.

We would like to give a grateful thanks to all his wonderful caregivers over the years that became part of our family, Barbara Ludy, Lydia Quintero, Natalia Pacheco and Norma Perez. Also a special appreciation and thanks go to Dr. Jennifer Abraham, who was with us during his first hospital stay after his accident to the day when she recently retired.

We know that Jay was welcomed into heaven by his Auntie Aileen, Auntie Jean, his stepfather Jack, and his Uncle Eli, all of whom he had close special relationships.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the North High School Scholarship Memorial Fund or to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 1900 Baker St., Bakersfield, CA 93305.

A Memorial service is scheduled at Emmanuel Lutheran Church on Friday March 24th, 2023 at 2:00pm.

www.bakersfield.com/obits

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Published by Bakersfield Californian on Mar. 19, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Jay Kuster

11 Entries

Jennifer Gillet

April 7, 2023

My family was fortunate to know Jay. He was a true light and joy, and our deepest sympathies go out to his devoted family. Sending love on behalf of my mother, Barbara, and our family. We love you.

Debbie Biggles

March 25, 2023

I met Jay through Allen Swrdfeger at school in San Luis Obispo. He was one of the sweetest guys ever. I am so sorry for your loss. Jay will be missed . Allen and I purchased a tree in his loving memory

Debbie A Biggles

March 25, 2023

Debbie A Biggles

Planted Trees

Elaine Sewell

March 22, 2023

Jay was the little brother of my best friend. Although I knew Jay as a sleepwalking, highly energetic young boy, I knew him mostly as an adult after his accident. Jay passed away at the age of 55 without a bed sore, gray hair, or a wrinkle. During my visits, his blue eyes would follow my voice and if I said something silly or unexpected, he would giggle. Robin knew a secret and could always make him giggle. To say his mother was devoted is an understatement. She catered to him and tried to make his life the very best she could for him. She was always by his side doing what she could to make him as comfortable as possible. His legs were always draped with a quilt and sometimes the family dog would lie on his lap to help protect him. Even in his condition, his presence was strong and powerful. His life was truly a blessing and on the selfish side, he will be truly missed.

craig robert allison

March 22, 2023

Coach Kuster I'm so sorry hear about the lose of your boy Jay. Sincerely, Craig Allison NHS 1979

Mark Stanley

March 21, 2023

Jay was a great person and teammate, always positive and he never spoke a bad word or had a bad thought about anyone. My condolence to his family.

Sheila Rich

March 20, 2023

Jay was such a sweet, kind soul in high school, and I remember being so devastated to hear of his traffic accident when we were 20. He will be (and has been) sorely missed.
Sending all my love and prayers to his family!

Ginger Clark

March 20, 2023

Jay was one of the kindest boys I knew in high school. I ran track with him my freshman year and he was so kind in looking out for and supporting the younger kids. He was a lovely human being.

J. Pratt

March 19, 2023

I was very fortunate to have Jay around as dear friend in high school. He was a fierce competitor on the football field and a true leader in the huddle. Some great memories were made both on and off the field, especially when we got to travel to Los Angeles to attend the Kodak Football All American luncheon in the early 80's and meet several NFL Hall of Fame players. My deepest sympathy goes out to Jay's parents, Jeanette and Gary, and his entire family. Shine bright and rest peacefully in heaven #10!!!

Allen Swerdfeger

March 15, 2023

Brother Jay, we were North High classmates, football teammates and SLO roommates, I cherish all those memories, and I'll be joining you in paradise one day

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