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Jay Hirsch Obituary

The ravages of bi-polar disease has taken the life of JAY DARWYN HIRSCH. He worked tenaciously through a lifetime of the illness practicing law, teaching law school, becoming a municipal judge and serving 27 years as a military officer. His friends and associates have come to know him by the nickname "Junk Yard Dog", which was lovingly and characteristically bestowed on him by his artist son, Michael. Jay was a native Houstonian born March 5, 1938, born to Max H. (Doc) Hirsch and Dorothy Sher Hirsch. He died March 26, 2008. He leaves behind a family who treasured and respected his work ethic: His wife of 40 yrs - Susan Levine Hirsch, Sons: Michael of Atlanta, GA; Phillip and wife, Claudia and beloved 4 yr. old grandson, Adam of Stockton, CA; and Zachary of Houston, TX. His sister, Jeri Lyn Hirsch of Houston, TX; and Susan's brother, Barry Levine of San Antonio, TX who will miss him deeply. His educational background included: Texas A & M and South Texas College of Law. He completed a 27 yr. career with the U.S. Army Reserve Judge Advocate General retiring as a Colonel. During his 45 yrs. of practicing law, he served as senior partner of many law firms bearing his name. Law was his whole life - he was a legal dinosaur who used his mind to track the massive amounts of cases for his trials and lectures. Although his health declined, it was his brilliant mind and integrity which prevailed. A tribute to Jay's life will be held Sunday, March 30th 2:00 p.m. at Emanu El Memorial Park at 8341 Bissonnet (5 blocks east of Gessner on Bissonnet) officiated by Rabbi Roy A Walter and Cantor Vadim Tunitsky.

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

Published by Houston Chronicle from Mar. 29 to Mar. 30, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Jay Hirsch

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Steve Gordon

March 23, 2020

Miss you Jay

Steve

March 23, 2019

Law was never the same without you.

Kenny & Cynthia Markos

April 9, 2008

We were very sad to hear the news of your loss. The Astros games won't be the same without him. He was truly a great man with great accomplishments! We are honored to have walked with him in our journey of life. God Bless you and your family!

christy fleming

April 9, 2008

Susan, Michael, Phillip,

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayer are with you all. I last spoke to Jay a year ago when he offered to help in my son adoption by my husband. He was very generous and kind. I emailed him at the firm on 3-24-08 to let him know that I myself without an attorney, finalized the adoption on 3-24-08. Jay is the one that gave me the strength to the challenge and I wanted him to know but it did not happen. He was no longer with the firm. Michael its been along time since we have talked. The last time was when Nellie and I helped you move from your apartment. May god be with you all in your time of need and sadness. God bless you all.

Claudia Slone

April 8, 2008

To Susan and Family - I had the pleasure of many, many years of working with Jay. He was always there to help get a client out of a legal jam. Jay was very proud of his family and always bragged about his boys and later his Grandson. Jay had a funny, quirky sense of humor. And he was kind. I am so sorry to learn of your loss. Jay will be missed.

Steve Gordon

April 5, 2008

He was a good hard working man that gave an opportunity to young lawyers to do what they wanted to do: get to trial. Great memories that will live on but the man will be missed. b' shalom

April 5, 2008

Dear Susan, Hirsch Children and Family,
Susan, I was so saddened to hear of the passing of your husband. I am so sorry for your loss..but, just reading about him tells me what an extraordinary person he was and how one could only admire, respect and love him. You are so special..no wonder you two were meant for each other.
You and your family are in my prayers.
With much respect and love for you and your family.
Alav hashalom.

BK Nufer Brown -EXD Support Desk-CO

Joe De La Cerda

April 3, 2008

Dear Family;

I worked for Mr. Hirsch for a year and even after I left I stayed in contact with him and Zach. He was tough but had a heart of gold. He tought me a lot and for that I am greatfull. I loved and respected him very much. I will deeply miss him as will the entire legal community.

I will include him and your entire family in my prayers.

Bob Ellis

April 3, 2008

Susan, I never met you but often heard about you. I worked medical malpractice claims for a California insurer and for four years was involved with Jay on Houston cases. He became a friend and I am sorry to hear of his passing. When I thought of Jay, I recalled two experiences. One,was in 2002,when we were sitting in a Houston restaurant talking about a NY carrier I worked for in the early 80's. Sittting in their office, I overheard a VP of claims screaming at a claim manager in Houston about a case that went bad. Not only are you fired he said but so is that d___ attorney you hired. Jay, began to uncontrollably laugh and then said to me "I was that d___ attorney". Jay continued to laugh up to the point where we both could no longer eat.

The second experience was when Jay came to LA to take myself and my son to the Angel's World Series game. I believe your son was also there. On the way back to LA and at midnight, we got lost. Jay pulled off an exit against my request that there were better exits to seek out. He got his direction and we got out safe but to this day I know that Jay and the occupants of his car where the only ones not carrying weapons.

I am very sorry to hear of his passing. He was a rare individual who exceedingly enjoyed what he did. I am sad I never got the opportunity to see again. I won't forget him and it looks like many others remember this man.

Donna Smith

April 3, 2008

Susan, your family has my deepest sincerest sympathy. God Bless

Donna Smith
CUC

Marvin Krasner

April 2, 2008

Susan,
I was deeply saddened to hear about Jay's death. He and I shared some good stories together when I officed next to him for several years on Weslayan. It is my hope and prayer that Jay is at eternal peace.

James Boanerges

April 2, 2008

Jay was well liked and respected by all of his legal peers.
We will miss Jay and may he rest in peace.

Phil Sellers

April 2, 2008

He was so likeable.

Phyllis Townley

April 1, 2008

Dear Family- Jay was a person one would never forget after meeting him. During my brief time working as a paralegal w/ him on Franklin, he was often concerned that I make my young boys' ball games, even if it meant I left a little early. I have heard several people reminisce about that part of Jay since we learned of his passing. I hope he has found, and that you will find, peace.

Anne Bradley

April 1, 2008

To the Hirsch Family...Judge Hirsch was a very smart lawyer who exemplified the true definition of a trial lawyer. I appreciate him allowing me to clerk for while in law school.

Adasha Knight

April 1, 2008

Dear Family, I worked with Mr. Hirsch for the past seven months, and he was always very kind to me, always asking me about the photos of my children and their pictures they had drawn on my wall. He always made it a point to say hello as he passed my desk, which says a lot about a person. My prayers are with your family.

Peter Shores

March 31, 2008

I worked with Jay several times as a videographer. He wanted his work to be 1st class, while most attorneys wanted it cheap. He was very good to my people and I simply because that's how he was. I don't think there is another former customer I would shed a tear for. I shed several for this man. Goodbye, Jay.

Robert and April Bautista

March 31, 2008

We are so sorry for your loss.

Gloria Caldas

March 31, 2008

Dearest Susan and Boys:

My heart goes out to you all knowing the very well of pain you all must be going through. Please know that you are all in our thoughts. Jay was truly a unique individual and we will all miss him!

Sincerely,
Gloria Caldas, San Antonio
Joe & Lee Caldas, San Antonio

Jim Scott

March 31, 2008

Susan and Family,

I am so sorry for your loss. May God give you all His blessings.

Jim Scott

Dr. Jeffrey Ross

March 31, 2008

Susan,
I am so sorry that I was out of town and did not hear about Jay's passing until this morning. He was a fellow brotherhood freind, a dear patient, and someone that Iadmired a great deal. he was unique and commanded a great deal of respect and admiration. I will miss him and pray that God grant him eternal peace. I will also make a contribution to the Greene Family camp fund in Jay's memory.
My deepest symapthies
Jeff Ross

Carmen Pendergraff

March 31, 2008

Dearest Susan & The Boys,
I was so heartbroken to hear of your loss. Jay will be sorely missed. May you find strength and comfort through beautiful memories at this difficult time. We are thinking of you!

Rosalinda Silverstein

March 31, 2008

Susan, Zach and Family,

My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead. Judge was a very special person in my life. He had a huge heart and would help you in any way he could! I will miss him dearly! He was the best teacher anyone could ask for! He is what the definition of tough love should be!

R.I.P. Junk Yard Dog!

Dixie Price

March 31, 2008

My prayers are with all of you at this time. I had the pleasure of working with him on several cases. I still have the "talking" attorney doll he gave to several of us, puts a smile on your face. I guess its good we dont know when our job is done here but what a legacy he left in work & his family. Dixie Price/Western Heritage Insurance co

Keith and Neva Letourneau

March 31, 2008

Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Evelia & James Atwood

March 31, 2008

Susan, please accept my deepest sympathy My heart goes out to you and your family. May the good Lord give you comfort.

Evelia Atwood

March 31, 2008

Susan, please accept my deepest sympathy My heart goes out to you and your family. May the good Lord give you comfort.

Jeanette Coniglio

March 31, 2008

Susan and Family,

I hope and pray that you will find peace in knowing that Jay is in a better place.

Leah Moser

March 31, 2008

I am so very sorry for your loss and you and your family are in my prayers.

MaryAnn Straniero

March 31, 2008

So very sorry to hear about your family's great loss. We will miss Jay at Markel claims!

Lylene Pilkenton

March 31, 2008

Susan, you and the entire family are in my thoughts and prayers. I can still see that smile of Jay's. I was so blessed to have a friend like him. Please let me know if there is anything I can ever do for you or Zach. I am just a phone call away.

Many lives were touched by Jay with his many years of teaching at STCL He will be missed.

Lynn (Lipkin) Segal

March 31, 2008

Susan -

I just learned today of your terrible loss. The last time i saw you and Jay you were discussing a new house - we sat side by side at Cleburne Cafeteria.

My thoughts are with you.

WALTERENE HAM

March 31, 2008

SUSAN I DID NOT KNOW UNTIL MON AT WORK AT 1AM 31MAR. AND YOU KNOW I WOULD HAVE BEEN THERE IF I HAD KNOWN. I LOVE YOU, AND YOU AND THE REST OF YOUR FAMILY ARE IN MY PRAYERS HAM

Janet Brunson

March 30, 2008

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Kimberly Hamilton

March 30, 2008

Susan you and your family are in my prayers. If there is anything you need just let me know.

Sincerely,
Kimberly Hamilton

John Clarke

March 30, 2008

To the Hirsch Family,

You are in my thoughts and prayers. Judge Hirsch lived a full life and he was a kind and caring person. I will miss him.

Rest in peace Jay!

Bob Debes

March 30, 2008

To All, I'm so sorry to learn of your loss. As a fellow Houston attorney of 18 years, I knew Jay well. He was truly a character...mixing his serious work ethic with a unique brand of humor. He will be missed not only by his family, but by his friends in the legal community as well.

Denise Patterson

March 30, 2008

Susan and Family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am thankful to God for all of the wonderful memories that Jay has left for you and your family. As your eyes are filled with tears think on the memories of your wonderful years together.
Love,
Denise Patterson
(co-worker from Continental Airlines)

Jack and Jeanne Mathis

March 30, 2008

Susan, we are so very saddened to hear of Jay's passing. Although separated by thousands of miles and many years, we have often recalled our times with the Hirsches very fondly.

Dr. Sue Elster Hepler

March 30, 2008

Susan: I am so very sorry for the loss of Jay. I am attempting to e-mail Arlene Elster, my cousin, who is either in Argentina or Brazil. She would want to know.

Kay Jobe Box

March 30, 2008

Susan and family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss.

Jimmy Miller

March 29, 2008

My prayers go out to the family.

Rob Ammons

March 29, 2008

Jay was a great lawyer and a friend. I am honored to have worked on cases with and in opposition to Jay. He will be missed by those that knew him. May he rest in peace.

Thelma Harmon

March 29, 2008

As a mentor you were the greatest. I learned so much and grew as an attorney under your guidance. My only regret was that you did not become my mentor until 10 years after I graduated from law school.

Nancy Hudson

March 29, 2008

Please accept my deepest sympathy My heart goes out to you and your family. Keep believing that God will give you the strength to get through the grief and pain as I know he will. Call me if I can help you in any way. Nancy

Donald Beazley

March 29, 2008

I wish to express my sympathy.

Sincerely,
Don Beazley

Don & Pat Bishop

March 29, 2008

We have absolutely wonderful memories of being with Jay, being with Jay and Susan and being with the entire family. A man of high integrity, Jay enjoyed life and loved family. He was an inspiration to many.

michelle cashio

March 29, 2008

god bless you

Ryan Boyd

March 29, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Richard Carson

March 29, 2008

The very best friend a person could have for 56 years

Bill and Lilly Warden

March 29, 2008

Susan,
I will always cherish Jay's frienship, enthusiasm, his caring nature and his pride. He was a very giving and compassionate individual who was also extremely proud of his family,his profession and his country. Bill and I feel quite fortunate to have known Jay.
In Sympathy,
Bill and Lilly Warden

Fran and Harold Falk

March 29, 2008

Susan and family. Please accept our deepest sympathy. My late parents Helen and Bernie Diamond were good friends of your parents, and they spoke so lovingly of all of you. They knew how special Jay was. We are so sorry to know of your loss.....Fondly, Fran and Harold Falk....Phoenix, Az.

Daniel and Polly Johnson-Cathey

March 29, 2008

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Cindy Cox

March 29, 2008

I am so sorry for your loss.
With Sympathy,
Cindy
(Dr.B.'s office)

Betty Stokey

March 29, 2008

I enjoyed working for the firm when located at 917 Franklin, Houston, Texas. Mr. Hirsch had many gifted attorneys in the firm. I know that his family and friends will miss him.

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