Jay W. Demarest

Jay W. Demarest, age 92 of Middletown, NJ, passed away on May 4, 2024.
Jay is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Carol; his children Chris Demarest, Caryn Demarest (Jeff Hicks), Colleen (Shaun) Figueroa; his stepchildren Laurie (Bill) Anderson, John (Sharon) Kettyle; his grandchildren Junelle, Jayden, Jaxon, Dante, Christopher, Michael, Matt, Alexandra and Garrett.
Jay was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and served during the Korean War. He was a graduate of Panzer College and Seton Hall University.
Prior to establishing the athletic programs and serving as the first Athletic Director at Holmdel High School, Jay taught and coached football and track and field at Keyport High School and Monmouth Regional High School where he also served as Vice Principal. Jay owned and operated J & J Driving School in Keyport, NJ. He was also involved in many sports camps during his summers. He was an avid runner and prided himself on running in marathons, especially the NYC Marathon.
Jay was the recipient of many awards throughout his life. He was inducted into the Directors of Athletics Assoc. Hall of Fame in 2013 and the Shore Track Coaches Hall of Fame in 2016. A yearly award ceremony in Holmdel High School has the Jay Demarest Outstanding Athletic Award for both female and male athletes. He also had the honor of having the annual Shore Track Winter opener renamed the Demarest Invitational.
Jay thought he would not like traveling; however, Carol gifted him a trip to Italy and he became immersed in planning various trips they could enjoy. She would tease him saying "he went from athletic director to their cruise director!" Jay and Carol traveled to many parts all over the world but his favorite trip of all was to Ireland. These trips created many life-long memories that Jay cherished. He was a wonderful person, and he will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, May 30th at 11 am at United Methodist Church of Red Bank, 247 Broad St, Red Bank, NJ 07701. Thompson Memorial Home of Red Bank, NJ has been entrusted with the arrangements.