Jay Erickson

Jay Erickson
August 6, 1934 - June 27, 2021
Bradenton, Florida - Dr. Jay William Erickson passed away peacefully in Bradenton, Florida at the age of 86. He was born on August 6, 1934, in Fredonia (Pomfret), New York to Oscar Eric Erickson and Fay Isabel (Miller) Erickson. He graduated from the State University of New York at Fredonia with a Bachelor of Science and Education '59, and received a Masters in Science Education '60 and a PHD in Science and Education '63 from Columbia University. He met his wife Terry at SUNY Fredonia and together they celebrated 62 years of marriage, sharing adventures and their devotion to family.
Jay was an Associate Professor of Natural Sciences and a Professor of Organic and Biochemistry at Teacher's College, Columbia University in the early '60s. He then joined the Columbia Team as a Professor of Science Education (Chemistry/Physics) at Kabul, University in Afghanistan from 1966 – 1971, where he became fluent in Farsi. From 1972 – 1976 he was the Professor of Education and Programs Director (I.D.A. Project) at the University of Lagos, Nigeria. He is remembered by students as being both challenging and supportive. In 1976, Jay and Terry moved to Anna Maria Island, Florida where he became a Realtor for Beckett Realty and an independent property manager.
Throughout his life Jay was an avid walker, hiker, and traveler. He walked the beaches and sidewalks of Anna Maria Island daily (wearing his African hat) and did most of his errands by bicycle. During the summers between 1987 and 1994 he hiked and completed (on his 60th birthday) the Appalachian Trail where he was known as the 'Red Baron'. The nickname came from his passion for flying his Piper Cherokee. He helped his daughters with Girl Scouts, and sons with Boy Scouts, making sure to instill a love of the outdoors. Jay traveled the world with Terry taking camping trips, many international vacations and family cruises. A favorite quote of his is from J.R. Tolkien, "Not all who wander are lost." Jay's love of people and his great sense of humor were known by family, friends and everyone he met, as he never met a stranger. He was vibrant, brilliant, jovial and young-at-heart.
Jay is survived by his daughters'; Dawn Erickson (James) and Deborah Pate (David), his son, Jay Erickson II (Jennifer), his sister, Mary Lou Bell (Gordon) and eight grandchildren. He is preceded in death by wife, Alliene 'Terry' Erickson, son, Gregg Erickson (Jan) and grandson, Eric Eisenhauer.
For those wishing to honor Jay, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Society Florida Gulf Coast Chapter online at www.alz.org/flgulfcoast . A Celebration of Life will be planned for Jay at a later date.