Jay Bratton Obituary
Jay grew up in Athens, Ohio, attended Athens High School (1967), and the University of Illinois, Champaign earning a bachelors degree (math education, 1971) and a masters degree (math education, 1977). He spent most of his professional career as a math teacher at Antioch Community High School and College of Lake County, positively impacting the lives of countless students. As a lifelong fan of all types of puzzles, he was well known for creating scavenger hunts, word searches, riddle contests, and picture guessing games for friends and family. His love for God led to an outpouring of love for the communities he found himself in, including Faith Summit Church and his local neighborhood.
Jay's Christian faith was an essential part of his life, and he spent time daily reading, studying, and teaching the Bible. In addition to these activities, when asked about his hobbies, Jay would say: talking on the telephone, going for walks, enjoying food, and following the rise and fall of the Cubs
While they were both actively involved in the Navigators at University of Illinois in the 1970s, Jay met Deborah (neé Wankerl). They reconnected a few years later, falling in love and marrying in 1977 in Champaign, Illinois. Together, they shared a married life of nearly 47 years. Their family includes three sons Kenneth (Karen) Bratton, Timothy (Amanda) Bratton, and Benjamin (Sarah) Bratton, and 9 grandchildren.
Jay is preceded in death by his father James Bratton and survived by his mother Martha (neé Phillips) Bratton and his brother Larry (Cheryl) Bratton and numerous cousins.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to:
The Navigators
Samaritan's Purse
An organization focused on the unique needs of your local community as you remember Jay would.
Please join us on October 12th, 2024 at 3:00pm at Faith Summit Church in McHenry to celebrate the life of Jay.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jay, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
Suzy Harder
October 24, 2024
Dear Debbie,
I´m so sorry to hear of Jay´s passing. We have peace in knowing he´s with our Heavenly Father.
Love,
Suzy Harder
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