Jay R. Stroh

1929 - 2023

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Jay R. Stroh.Jay R. Stroh, 93, of Torrance, California, passed away on June 23, 2023. Jay was surrounded by family at the time of his passing. Jay was born on October 8, 1929, to John and Mollie (Benner) Stroh in Torrance, California. After Jay graduated from Torrance High School in 1947, he went on to obtain his Associate of Arts degree from Long Beach City College in 1949. He then attended the University of Southern California and earned a Bachelor of Science degree (1951) and a Master's degree (1952), both in Public Administration with an emphasis in Police Science.In October of 1952, Jay married his sweetheart, Jackie (Borden) Stroh and the two settled in Torrance to start a family. Jay began his career in law enforcement with the Torrance Police Department in May of 1951. Jay left the Torrance Police Department in April of 1952 to join the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department as a Deputy Sheriff. Jay worked at the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department until 1966, having risen to the rank of acting Captain. In August of 1966, Jay was appointed as El Segundo Chief of Police. In March of 1971, Jay accepted the position as the Inglewood Chief of Police and he served in that position until 1981. While Inglewood Chief of Police, Jay attended and graduated from the FBI National Academy (Class 90). In 1981, Jay left the Inglewood Police Department to serve as the Director of Security for Hollywood Park and served in that position until 1983. In 1983, Governor Deukmejian appointed Jay as the Director of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Jay served as the Director of ABC until his retirement in 2000; Jay spent 49 years of his life serving the public through his career in law enforcement. Jay was widely respected, admired, and loved by all that had the pleasure of knowing him. Jay left his mark on the law enforcement community, his colleagues, friends, and certainly, his family. Jay will be sorely missed. Jay is survived by his three children, John Stroh, Jodie Carr, and Jill Malandrinos, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Jay was preceded in death by his wife, Jackie, of 65 years. A public service will be held on Monday, July 10, 2023, at 1:00 pm at Inglewood Park Cemetery and Mortuary with a celebration of life to follow.