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Jay Payne Obituary
Born: August 16, 1968
Died: July 24, 2022
After a brief illness, Jay Payne passed away peacefully on July 24, 2022 surrounded by his family.
Jay was born on August 16, 1968. He grew up in Walnut, Illinois. He loved science and loved to play sports. He attended Western Illinois University where he received his Bachelor's in Biology and decided to become a teacher. He began his career in St. Charles as a biology teacher. He loved working with kids and coaching football, basketball, and track. He finished his career in education at Maine West High School as the Science Department Chair.
He attended North Central College for his Master's in Educational Administration where he met his wife, Melissa. They were married for 21 wonderful years and had two amazing boys, Cal and Abe. He was always a fierce protector of his family. They recently moved to Port Saint Lucie, Florida. Cal goes to University of Florida and Abe will be attending the University of Alabama, so Jay was hoping to enjoy the warmer weather with them.
Jay was the most loving husband, father, brother, and trusted friend to many. You would always see him at his sons' sports or at a Chicago sporting event watching a game with his family. He was an avid White Sox, Bears, and Bulls fan. Jay never let any of his physical challenges keep him down. He loved to travel with his family and always felt that making memories was more important than any material items.
When Jay could no longer work, he continued mentoring others that were going through some of the same challenges that he faced. He was a selfless, courageous man who always wanted to help others the best that he could and was an inspiration to many.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him; beloved wife, Melissa; sons, Caleb and Abram; sisters, Joy (Dan) Hoffman, Jill (Bruce) Gonigam, Julie (Kent) Mathew; brother-in-law Don (Ellen) Monier; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold (Mick) and Betty (Kessel) Payne; sister, Jan Monier and brother, Jeff Payne.
In true Jay fashion, he wished to have a celebration of life when he passed. One will be planned in the coming months.
If you would like to donate in honor of Jay, the following two organizations have been working to help with research and advocacy for those with ALS: ALS TDI @ als.net; or I AM ALS @ iamals.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jay Payne
Jayne Morrison
July 21, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss. Jay was so vibrant and funny. He was assigned to my home room and always made his swift in and out visit a delight for all the students.
He is remembered and always will be in our hearts.
Jayne M
Dennis Lata
December 19, 2022
Played 5 A M bball with him at st Charles high school. He was a tough opponent. Rip jay.
Connie and Ralph Brownell
August 2, 2022
Dear Melissa, Caleb and Abram, It is with great sadness that I heard about Jay's passing. He was a fantastic science department chair who always showed a sense of humor and a respect for all who worked for him. He was my favorite boss in my 29 years of teaching science.
I visited with him about 3 or four years ago when passing through Chicago on my way back to Montana. What a delight it was to see him and enjoy our genuine conversation.
My prayers are with all of you as you transition to a life without his physical presence in your family but I know that you carry his spirit with you always.
Jayne Morrison
August 2, 2022
I taught in the English Department when jay was Department Chair in Science. Although our paths seldom crossed, I remember his smile and energy while fighting ALS. My love to your family.
Jayne
Rick Lombardi
August 2, 2022
My prayers are with you and your family.
Paul Stofcheck
August 2, 2022
Hired Jay from St. Charles to teach biology at Maine West. A great teacher and coach; but even a better person.
Mike Poehler
August 2, 2022
Jay was a colleague at Maine West and a class act in all that he did. We shared a birthdate and frequent conversations about life, work and laughed about many things. I will NEVER forget the manner in which he took a direct route through life´s struggles with grace and class; beer being proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy!
Walk and run freely my friend, in God´s presence - until we meet again - Godspeed Jay!
Bob Warner
July 30, 2022
I was so fortunate as a special education teacher to have my first co teaching assignment with a mainstream teacher with Jay. We learned from each other, we grew as teachers, and we loved and enjoyed our students. Working with Jay was a highlight of my teaching career.
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