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Jay H. Yoos

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University of Notre Dame

Jay Yoos Obituary

Jay H. Yoos, of Chicago, IL, originally of Pennsylvania, July 1, 1952 to January 17, 2002. Memorial Services will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, February 16, 2002, at The Fourth Presbyterain Church, 126 East Chestnut St., Chicago, IL. 312-787-4570. Charitable donations in lieu of flowers may be made to American Cancer Society.

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

Published by Chicago Tribune on Feb. 10, 2002.

Memories and Condolences
for Jay Yoos

Sponsored by friends of Jay who will always remember.

30 Entries

Robert

January 15, 2022

Jay
Twenty years later and every day I think about you and our travels, theater weekends, and excitement of sharing new music with one another. It was a quite a journey knowing you from Fort Lauderdale to Dallas to St. Louis and LA and Chicago. But the journey was not long enough. I love you and I miss you. There was no one like you.

Craig DeFazio

September 4, 2002

"Uncle Jay" as I was introduced to him, was my favorite. I met Jay sometime before I married his niece Jessica and I recall my first thought "wow, what a great dresser and good looking guy." He was a classy guy and someone I always enjoyed talking to, whether via phone or e-mail.

In anticipation of our first anniversary, Jessica & I told uncle Jay we wanted to do something special like go to NY. Uncle Jay not only went out of his way alittle, he in fact arranged a dinner for us atop Rockefeller Center in New York and got us tickets to a Broadway show "SWING". I think he even picked up the tab! To make our weekend occasion even more special, guess who showed up to watch "SWING" with us, Jay & his buddy Robert. Jess and I were absolutely surprised to see him there. After the show we all went for coctails and had one hell of a good time. Jay, thank you for giving me that wonderful weekend filled with so many memories. I will miss you and I promise to take care of your niece.

P.S. Say hello to my sister Laura and grandmother Hummell.

God Bless

Joyce Strum Leatherwood

August 9, 2002

Dallas, Texas - 1976

I moved into the tiny apartment complex in Irving, Texas, just outside Dallas, having never been west of the Mississippi before. Needless to say it was culture shock. My boyfriend Norman and his family had moved from Richmond, Va. to Dallas, Texas, and I sort-of tagged along. Shortly after I moved into the complex, I met Jay, another East Coast ex-patriot. Norman and Jay and I became best friends, and it was one of the happiest times of my life.

The three of us went to galleries, and movies, and played racquetball. When Jay bought his boat, he taught me how to slolom, but ungrateful wench that I was, I was upset he only taught Norm to drive the boat. We drank, and swam, and played endless hours of the board game Risk. It was crazy how worked up we could get over that game. Norman was a great player, and he could be ruthless in his "world conquest." I can still see and hear Jay's screaming/laughing/crying "Nooor - mannnnn - you can't DO THAT!!!!!!" when his armies were being wiped off the face of the very small earth, sitting on the hideous olive-green shag carpet that was in all of our apartments.

I have always loved dogs. When I couldn't stand it any longer, I went to the pound to get a dog. I found one, a scrawny, tri-colored mixed-breed I named Amie. I talked Jay into saving her sister, a scrawny, timid, black and tan mixed breed he named Sarah. House training a new dog in an upstairs apartment was a challenge for Jay, and he was violating the lease agreement for the first few months by not owning up to the management that he had a dog, and paying the pet deposit. On April 1st, I talked a co-worker with a very deep, authoritative voice into calling Jay and pretending to "bust" him over the illegal dog situation. As he apologized in his most professional Notre Dame tone, I slipped on the phone and started laughing hysterically. I hung up before the screaming stopped. I will post a wonderful picture of Jay and his dog, Sarah, as soon as I can find it.

There are so many stories. I just called Norm and told him the news. It has been a couple of weeks since Robert finally found me way down here in Texas and told me. But I just couldn't bring myself to call Norm. Maybe if I didn't call him, it wouldn't be true. My sense of responsibility finally drove me to call. It was great talking to him. Why did it take the death of a beloved friend to get us back in touch?

Jay, if you are watching this unfold, as I believe you are, please know that you are missed, and loved. Give Sarah and Amie a hug and kiss on the nose for me. Love you.

terri sheppard

March 24, 2002

I agree with Laura Elliott that Jay was one of the classiest guys that I ever met. He was a "sales guy" who called on us in the 80's. But he was never a "sales guy". He had a heart of gold and I'll never forget our 2 hour lunches and the wonderful conversations that we had. He always made me feel like a million bucks, no matter how bad a day we were having!

Jay was one of the greatest, most energetic, and hardest working persons that I have ever met....my condolescences go out to all of his family. He will always be in my thoughts and prayers.

Lisa Suarez

February 21, 2002

I had the unique & wonderful opportunity of working with Jay. He was truly an inspiration to all and he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Jay's family & friends. Psalm 23:4 - Even if I walk through a very dark valley, I will not be afraid, because you are with me. Your rod and staff comfort me.

Tom Storms

February 11, 2002

Each high school reunion was always a little incomplete without Jay's attendance. We always anticipated his arrival. Jay exemplified the best of our class. Intelligent and fun-loving, and the ability to balance both. We had great times together on the tennis team and put our own mark on the sport there; it wasn't so much tennis as just having one belly-laugh after the other about all things silly and little about tennis! I'll regret we won't be able to relive those moments together but the picture of Jay in my head is as vivid as seeing him yesterday. He was that kind of guy. My sincere condolences to Jay's family.

Mike Flock

February 11, 2002

I was very saddened to hear of Jay's passing. I had not seen Jay since graduating in '70. As many, I always thought he would appear at one of the Class Reunions and I would find out all the things he had done, had accomplished and learn more about the person he had become post Loyalsock High. He shall remain always that youthful 18 year old with the huge smile behind the wheel of that burgundy T-Bird. My condolences to his family.

Marge Keiser Raphaelson

February 10, 2002

There have been so many moments for reflection in the past few months, but hearing of Jay's death brought back such sweet memories of our circle of high school friends. I didn't know Jay at all as an adult, but I bet he was magnificent, because he was well on the way when I knew him.

Dave Weeks

February 10, 2002

Jay was a lifelong friend and member of my circle throughout our school days and beyond. We hadn't

much contact since college, and the last I spoke with him was about three years ago by phone. I had no knowledge of his illness and was shocked and very saddened to hear of his passing. He was a special soul who will be terribly missed by family and his many friends. I will carry memories of the good times always.

John Raymond

February 6, 2002

That contagious smile; his intelligence and fun-loving personality; the remarkable musicality; "ditching" on our bikes; his generosity; bowling (and flailing!) and skiing (snow and/or water) and pumping gas; golf; Little Bear Creek camping; class plays, basement parties and penny ante poker; first drinks, endless cigarettes, and the "deepest" of adolescent philosophical discussions; two Mustangs, one T-Bird, and Gramp's El Camino(?); riding the roof of Dave's '60 Dodge to Highway Pizza; Mrs. Sauer's house; "Celebrate '70;" college acceptances, college escapades and college tales; our 1987 "reunion" at the Caboose; the lost wallet on McConnell Drive; etc., etc., etc., ad infinitum

We had a terrific group of friends, many of whom have known each other since first grade. Jay was special. Our youthful cadre was--and is--incomplete without Jay. But he has left us with cherished memories of true and enduring friendship. Thank you Jay, my friend.

Paul Rossi

February 6, 2002

To Jay's Family:

Jay was one of the finest people I have ever known. Kind, thoughtful, and supportive. A true friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Barbara Miller Cooley

February 5, 2002

Two things I've heard recently come to mind - How fortunate for all of us that Jay lived, and that we had him in our lives, no matter how long ago or how briefly. The other, when we lose someone, we gain an angel whose first name we know. I hope Jay knew how many lives he touched through the years. Although many of us lost touch with Jay after high school, we're no less saddened to hear of his passing - Jay was a very special person who truly was a pleasure to have known. My deepest, heartfelt sympathy to his parents, family and all of you who knew and loved him. Jay will live on in many hearts and memories of him will be cherished.

Barbara Geller Krentzman

February 3, 2002

I was truly saddened to learn of Jay

's passing. I remember him from high school as an intelligent, warm, good-natured and sincere friend. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

Lisa Kulka

February 2, 2002

Met Jay thru my son Robert over 25 yrs ago. He was as another son to me. I will miss him. I know my son lost a great friend. Jay took a piece of my son's heart with him. We want you to know you'll be in our thoughts and hearts forever.

Mary Theiss

February 2, 2002

I had the pleasure and joy of knowing you for four years. You had so much more to teach me! YOU AL-WAYS BELIEVED IN ME! You are in my heart forever. How fortunate I was when our paths crossed. We spoke without WORDS. You have wonderful friends and family that love you and miss you. I have had several "JAY" moments since your departure, I know you are with the angels now. How lucky they are!!! I love and embrace you always, Mary & Cody Dog

Jennifer Koone

January 31, 2002

Where to begin? No words can describe the person that was Jay Yoos. He was one of the most special people in the world and we are privileged to have known him and honored to have called him a friend.

We are all saddened by our loss, but can be comforted in the warm and wonderful memories of Jay. We now have a great guardian angel with a contagious smile and laugh.

Jay will be sorely missed. He was very loved by all who had the good fortune to know him.

Thank you Jay for all of the very special memories. You really are amazing! We love you!

Jen, Todd & Zachary Koone

Jay in Istanbul circa 1996

Robert Kulka

January 31, 2002

Thank you all for your wonderful memories of Jay. He has touched many lives and he will missed more than words can express.

For those who are interested, there will be a memorial service in Chicago on Saturday, Feb. 16 at 11 am. It will be at The Fourth Presbyterian Church at 126 East Chestnut Street.
Also, if you desire, donations can be made in his name to The American Cancer Society, the Church or any local AIDS foundations in lieu of flowers.

Greg Engel

January 31, 2002

"Hello There..." is how he always greeted you on the phone. Always with a joke, an encouraging word, a bit of advice and most of all, sincerity from the heart. I knew Jay mostly in the work place. He taught me much of what I know and has incremental responsibility for what I have become professionally. We also shared joys and sorrows as friends. I can assure everyone that Jay knew the Lord and is with him now. Our prayers and well wishes for him have been heard and received. May he now rest in peace.

Barbara Berndt Horn

January 30, 2002

I heard of Jay's death from a dear friend, Barb Miller Cooley on Sunday evening. Although I graduated in 1968, I remember Jay's smile and energy in the Lancer Choir! My sympathies to his family. b

Tom Rodgers

January 29, 2002

My heartfelt condolences go to Jay's family and friends.

Although we didn't see much of each other after we graduated high school, I will always have the fondest memories of our youth.

Scotti, I couldn't say it any better than you have.

Jay always "set the bar" for the things we did but never made me feel inferior when he came out the better.

He was a true friend and I miss him.

Scott Swift

January 28, 2002

Jay,

You were the best of the best!

So many great times, so many great memories.

You were the glue that brought us together with the mischievious smile that keep us laughing.

When my Mother was dying of cancer, she said to me that she wanted just one more good day. I called you.

I asked you to call 'Toni' and you did. You talked to her for an hour and she was on cloud nine. When I got the call from her that day, her energy level was so high, that I knew that she had that one 'great' day that she wanted so badly. You meant a lot to her.

Thank you.

Thank you for all the laughs, for the great water skiing, for your friendship which I can never forget.

I still have your waterski. My children learned to ski on it. I guess I win but we all lose.

I will really miss you and the good times at Loyalsock. What would our lives have been without that yellow Mustang and those great T-birds!

Keep an eye on your old friends. We may need your help from time to time.

We'll see you someday. Say "Hi" to Sue.

Okay, so I am sad but it is hard to think of Jay Yoos and not smile. He was the best of the best.

Scott

Grace Wheeland

January 28, 2002

My sympathy to Jay's family. I went to school with Jay and was truly sorry to hear of his death. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Helen Reeder

January 27, 2002

My condolences to Jay's family and friends and I will keep you all in my prayers. I went to school with Jay from 1st through 10th grade before moving to Harrisburg. I remember his wonderful smile, and know he will be missed by all who knew him.

Sue Rainey Carter

January 26, 2002

I met Jay when we were 4 years old, so I had known him most of my life. I had lost touch with him in the past few years, and I am devastated at the news of his death. He was my friend, I loved him, and I will miss him so much.

Laura Elliott

January 21, 2002

Jay was the classiest guy I ever met and a very special person. I can't believe he is gone. I will miss him terribly.

My thoughts are with his family.

MARYKAE SCHMITT

January 21, 2002

It was very sad to hear of Jay's passing. He was a great guy to work with. I'm sorry I didn't get to know him better outside of work. He was a very giving and funny man. My sympathies go out to all of his family and friends.

Betty Nance

January 21, 2002

I am so saddened by the passing of Jay. My heartfelt sympathies to Jay's family. Jay will be remembered as a fun loving person and all together really sweet guy--a very giving person. He will be so very missed.

Peggy McWilliams

January 20, 2002

Very saddened to hear the news of Jay's death. He was a very upbeat and encouraging gentlemen. Always smiling, I will remember him that way. My sympathy to the family.

Sheryl Threlkeld

January 20, 2002

We've lost a wonderful person. He will be sadly missed.

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