Jeremy Michael Rayl

Jeremy Michael Rayl

Jeremy Rayl, 39, passed away July 5, 2017. He was born on January 10, 1978 in Akron, Ohio.

Jeremy was born to be a winner and he wasn't the least bit competitive. Well, maybe a little bit competitive. OK...a lot. He wasn't happy just winning at something; he wanted to win by a lot. It didn't matter whether it was at video games, at sports or in business; he brought a passion to everything. Jeremy was a proud product of the Green schools and graduated from Green High School in 1996. He continued his education and received a business degree from John Carroll University. It was in his childhood and at college, that Jeremy established many life-long friendships and the unending loyalty to people that was his trademark.

By title, Jeremy was the President and CEO of JRayl Transport, but he was so much more than that. He started at the company by first cleaning trucks and sweeping floors and then before you knew it, he was running the place. He took over from his dad, Tim, in 2008 and under Jeremy's leadership, the size of the company more than quadrupled to over 400 employees with terminals in four (four) states. While the success of the company is well known, others in the business community recognized his talent as well. He was repeatedly acknowledged as one of the Top 40 Executives under 40 in Northeast Ohio. He was chosen multiple times for the Business Growth Award because of JRayl's many years of double-digit revenue growth. And he received the penultimate individual reward when he was selected as the 2012 Entrepreneur of the Year.

Transportation is an industry where innovations are few and far between. However, Jeremy was truly a pioneer. He had a vision to operate the largest for hire fleet of trucks fueled by compressed natural gas. By utilizing this environmentally friendly fuel Jeremy will personally reduce carbon emissions by tens of millions of pounds. His decision truly made J Rayl stand alone in the industry. Despite the personal acknowledgements and accolades, Jeremy learned from his dad how important it was for the company to take care of its employees. So it is no surprise that he was the most proud of JRayl being selected on multiple occasions as a Top Workplace in Northeast Ohio.

Jeremy was giving and supported a number of charities both with his time and money. He believed that we all have a responsibility to support the less fortunate, not with a handout but with a hand up. Under his leadership, JRayl has annually supported Haven of Rest, YMCA, Toys for Tots and Make a Wish. Jeremy was a true son of Ohio. Yes, that means he loved the Browns, the Indians, the Buckeyes and the Cavaliers. His office was a shrine to Ohio sports. One of his happiest memories was that he was able to be in Oakland last year when the Cavaliers broke the curse and brought the championship home.

It was fate that allowed Jeremy to find someone to share his life who is as competitive as he was. He found that Beth was his equal and soul mate. She pushed him to always be the best version of himself. Then Jeremy found that his love and affection could go to another level when his son, Jacob, was born in 2014. Anyone who saw him with Jacob knows what unconditional love looks like.

Jeremy was preceded in death by his mother, Deborah Rayl; grandmother, Beverly Rayl; and grandfather, Don Bowman. He is survived by his soulmate, Elizabeth Rayl (Cochran); son, whom he adored with all his heart, Jacob Rayl; father, Tim Rayl (Linda Beckley); sister, Tara Rayl; nieces, Abbie, Cassie and Josie; nephew, J.J.; grandfather, James Rayl; grandmother, Bonnie Bowman; father and mother-in-law, Michael and Laura Cochran; brothers-in-law, Chris Cochran (Nicole) and Danny Cochran; as well as many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and long-time childhood friends.

Funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at The Chapel, 135 Fir Hill, Akron, Ohio 44304 with Pastor Steve Bucy officiating. Family and friends may call on Wednesday, from 3 p.m. until the time of the service at the church. A private family interment will be at East Liberty Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Green Local Schools, P.O. Box 218, Green, Ohio 44232. Please write Jeremy Rayl in the memo on your check. To leave a special message online for the family, you may visit the link at www.schermesserfh.com.

SCHERMESSER

(330) 899-9107