Jason Ryan Clay

Jason Ryan Clay, age 43, of Centerburg, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, February 21, 2025. Born on December 26, 1981, in Columbus, Ohio, the beloved son of Scott (Kathy) Duncan Clay and Debra (Naylor) Ocheltree who will continue to hold him close to their hearts. He is remembered as an active child, involved in YMCA basketball and youth league football. He loved trips to Cedar Point with his dad, and spending time on Lake Erie. If he could, he would have stayed there, or at Mosquito Lake, on a jet ski all summer.
Jason is survived by his other half, Sara Schoonover, his son, Merrick (Rosie) Clay, of whom he was incredibly proud, and his cherished grandson, Jasper Ryan Clay. He had a special bond with each of Sara's three children, Caleb, Graham, and Brynn. Jason and Sara would often joke about how he would handle raising a teenage daughter, but he was wrapped around Brynn's finger from the day they met-playing, watching tv, and telling "Grace and Tanner" bedtime stories together. He shared his love of fishing, music, and food with the boys and wanted to help guide them as best he could.
Jason is also survived by his siblings, Josh Ocheltree, Nick (Abby) Ocheltree, Eric (Danielle) Ocheltree, Stephen (Emily) Ocheltree, Tiffany Ocheltree, Valerie Clay, and Emily (Jonathan) Clark. As well as Sara's family: Lauren Schoonover, Jacob (Danae) Morit, Dylan (Courtney) Morit, Davy (Jennifer) Morit, and Celia (Kim) White, along with many nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family members on both sides.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Donald Naylor, Romajean Blair, Frank and Norma Clay, and his nephew, Baby J.
Jason lived life on his own terms-spirited, creative, and always dreaming big. He motivated others with his drive and persistence and always had the right things to say at the right time. He had a deep appreciation of nature: exploring the ocean with snorkels or his boogie, relaxing on the beach, hiking, lounging in a hammock, sitting around a campfire, or simply enjoying a seat in the sun. He loved food, especially pie and butter pecan ice cream, but he was known to panic order a pineapple milkshake a time or two. He was the original "Smash & Crash" often taking care of the leftovers in the fridge before falling asleep on the couch. He found joy in travel, family trips, roller coasters, fast cars, spontaneous adventures with Sara, discovering new craft breweries, photography, and sharing meaningful moments with the people he loved.
Those who knew Jason will remember his intelligence, ability to tell the best stories, and his laugh. He was fiercely loyal-if you were his people, he had your back for life. Though he faced challenges, he learned from them with resilience and strength. Despite his tough exterior, Jason had a calming presence and a heart full of love.
A dedicated business owner, he took pride in running J&J Construction and Remodeling, working hard to build a life of which he was proud. Among his many accomplishments, nothing meant more to him than being a father and creating lasting memories with his family and the love of his life, Sara.
Friends may call at Snyder Funeral Homes, DeVore Chapel, on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., with a funeral service to follow at 6:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to help with Jason's funeral expenses. Snyder Funeral Homes, DeVore Chapel is honored to serve the Clay family.
Please share a memory of Jason, a message of condolence with the family, or a donation toward expenses at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jason, please visit our floral store. If you would like to make a donation in memory of Jason Ryan Clay, please visit the Tribute Fund.