Jay D Anderson

Jay D Anderson obituary, Racine, WI

Jay D Anderson

Jay Anderson Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 20, 2024.
Jay D. Anderson passed away peacefully on May 16, 2024 at the Zilber Hospice Center after living 2-years with terminal brain cancer. Jay was born on February 12, 1967 in Dodgeville, WI to Everett and Joan Anderson. He was hired at Industries for the Blind and Visually Impaired (IBVI) in March, 1994 as a machine maintenance mechanic and moved up the ladder to become the Director of Operations. He was a real-life MacGyver and could fix almost anything. Give him a box of parts and he could put whatever it was back together!

Jay leaves behind his wife, Sheila, step-children Bryana (Andrew) Driskell and Garret Champagne. Siblings Gerald (Laurie) Anderson, Debra (Art) Villa, John (Paula) Anderson, and Jeffrey (Elsa) Anderson, in addition to in-laws, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. Important to include is Jay's beloved 4-legged best friend, George, who never left his side and often slept close to Jay on his hospital bed. Jay is preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Joan Anderson and sister Linda (Beecraft) Brown.

The family would like to thank Jay's friends and co-workers from IVBI who took time out of their day to visit him, send daily check-in calls/texts, get-well cards, gifts, etc. throughout his illness. He truly felt the love. In addition, Jay's family would like to thank the Zilber Hospice Center for taking over the heavy lifting job of caretaker for his family so they could spend Jay's remaining days next to him. The entire staff at Zilber took exceptional care of Jay; there are truly some wonderful people in this world.

Per Jay's request, there will be no funeral service, just a private Celebration of Life. Those closest to Jay will understand his final request: he would like you to visit your favorite Mexican restaurant and drink a tequila shot in his honor.

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January 13, 2025

Gerald Anderson posted to the memorial.

January 13, 2025

Gerald Anderson posted to the memorial.

January 13, 2025

Gerald Anderson posted to the memorial.

Gerald Anderson

January 13, 2025

Gerald Anderson

January 13, 2025

Two of Jays favorite ways to pass time

Gerald Anderson

January 13, 2025

Paul inzeo

January 12, 2025

I worked with Jay when it was IB Milwaukee and he helped me wire my rec-room. I just found out today of his passing. I laughed when I offered Jay $800 for helping me wire my rec-room. He apologized for it taking longer then he thought and said "if the wife asks, tell her it was $600". I'm sorry the world is short one hellofa guy!!

Kim Alverson

June 11, 2024

Kim Alverson

June 11, 2024

Kim Alverson

June 11, 2024

Kim Alverson

June 11, 2024

Kim Alverson

June 11, 2024

Kim Alverson

June 11, 2024

The Janesville Team wanted to remember Jay as Their Leader & had a Taco luncheon in honor of him. They also planted a pink bleeding-heart bush is the corner of the building, it will get both sunshine & shade throughout the day. The bush also symbolizes Jay watching over them always. When planting a few employees told stories or what they will remember of Jay. This made everyone's day & put a smile on each of their faces. Jay will always be remembered at one of their own.

Rita Roth

May 24, 2024

If you knew Jay Anderson you were touched by an angel, an angel with exceptionally large wings.
I worked with Jay at IBVI for fifteen years. A more talented and truly sincerely caring person you may never meet. Jay was there for everyone, heart and soul.
Jay was the rock at IBVI for many years, daily he listened and addressed the simplest concerns of many, at the same time tackling major issues along with his operational responsibilities.
Jay may have appeared grumpy at times, he may have raised his voice at times, yet he would always show up for you, many times with a smile and an apology. Due to `no job being too small or too big´, Jay lived with much pain due to injuries.
Jay made things happen; from moving the entire company to a new site in 2006, to traveling to obtain new machinery, creating jobs, designing and setting up special equipment for the visually impaired, training and mentoring many and, championing or supporting a host of teams and events over the years, which greatly contributed to the overall success of IBVI.
Jay leaves a legacy few will come close to fulfilling, he was an excellent coworker while being a good friend that you considered family.
Jay you are so missed by everyone you touched, God Bless and rest in peace.
May God watch over Sheila and your loving family, giving them strength to move forward.
My funniest memory of Jay:
When he had to give the latest `toilet use´ updates and warnings during the employee monthly meetings, the smile on his face was priceless (we knew it was coming)!
Rita Roth

Deb Villa

May 22, 2024

Jay will always be a part of me since he donated his bone marrow to save my life.

Jon Barnett

May 21, 2024

Knowing Jay for the past 17 years, I never had a bad interaction with him. From the day I met him at IBVI coming in to work on the forklifts after a bad experience he had with the previous tech, we saw eye to eye immediately. We both shared the same hard work ethic and honesty. Jay was straight forward that's for sure, he was a no bs kind of guy, but we got along absolutely great and always made each other laugh.
I do wish I would have spent more time with him outside of work prior to the past two years when we shared a beer or two in his garage occasionally. Sure was a fun ride in his GTO the one night. Jay had a unique kind of swagger in his walk, and a big smile and laugh I'll never forget. He will surely be missed by all who knew him and understood him. Love ya buddy!

Anna McDevitt

May 21, 2024

Jay was always upbeat and cheerful. He wasn't afraid to take any challenge. He even accepted the challenge of being secretary for our family reunion, his minutes were always entertaining. I truly wish he had been up to coming to Iowa to see us, it would have been a great time. We loved him and share the loss Sheila and family are feeling now. Jay is now resting in our Savior's arms and pain free. Jay was a very important member of our family. Love you Jay

Single Memorial Tree

Pam Tucker

Planted Trees

Pam Tucker - Quality Assurance Specialist

May 21, 2024

Pam Tucker - Quality Assurance Specialist

May 21, 2024

Pam Tucker - Quality Assurance Specialist

May 21, 2024

Pam Tucker - Quality Assurance Specialist

May 21, 2024

Pam Tucker - Quality Assurance Specialist

May 21, 2024

Pam Tucker - Quality Assurance Specialist

May 21, 2024

working at IBVI, he always made sure everything was taken care of & the people were heard. His many trips to the bathroom to unclog the toilets were brought up many times at the employee's meeting. Jay also went out to buy the company Christmas tree, complained about the big deal of Christmas - but always made everyone's Holiday special. Jay was blunt & open about many things & that is what made him real & authentic. Jay also gave great advise & paid genuine complements. Never at any time did he sugar-coat a challenge. Jay always was a Go-Getter, get it done & move on. Jay talked highly of his family (wife & kids). Even more so of his dogs (George, Landon, Riley) HaHaHa I heard many of great stories & Jay also shared pictures. Jay was a firm man, but also had a soft loving side to him. I was lucky enough to see it ALL! In a small way he reminds me of Kevin Costner... his laugh. Till we meet again Jay. Bless this man forever!

Mary Schissel

May 21, 2024

Jay was a wonderful coworker. He was knowledgeable and caring. He is in the arms of the lord and resides with the angels. I am happy to have shared time on this earth with him. Godspeed my friend. Respectfully..Mary Schissel

Single Memorial Tree

Denise A Kube

Planted Trees

Debra Grobe

May 20, 2024

God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Lori Kennicker

May 20, 2024

I have never personally met Jay but I know of the great love and bond he shared with his sister Deb, a very dear friend of mine. She shared countless stories with me. I feel like I knew him. My heartfelt prayers go out to his family.
Lori Kennicker Mineral Point

Gerald Anderson

May 20, 2024

We both shared an interest in classic cars, muscle cars. The GTO he worked so hard to restore just happened to be my favorite year. I know it was hard for him to let it go but it will always have a warm spot in my small collection.

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January 13, 2025

Gerald Anderson posted to the memorial.

January 13, 2025

Gerald Anderson posted to the memorial.

January 13, 2025

Gerald Anderson posted to the memorial.