Jay Cornell Starr

Jay Cornell Starr, 69, of Columbia City, passed away at his home on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, following a battle with lung cancer.

He was born on August 24, 1956, in Medina, Ohio, to the late Cornell and Sarah (Domer) Starr. Raised in Medina, Jay graduated with honors from Medina High School in 1974. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from Manchester College in 1978.

On June 21, 1980, Jay married Emancia Travisanio. Together they made their home in Columbia City, where they raised two sons and a daughter.

Jay became a licensed Certified Public Accountant on March 17, 1982, and began his career with Ruckman & Keiffer, Inc., later known as Ruckman Associates, Inc. In 1995, the firm was sold to American Express Tax & Business Services, Inc. Jay repurchased the practice in January 2005 and founded Starr CPA & Associates, LLC. In September 2019, the firm was sold to Scott E. Duffitt and became Duffitt & Associates.

Deeply committed to his community, Jay served on numerous boards, committees, and organizations, including the Whitley County United Way, Columbia City Kiwanis Club, Columbia City Area Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Redevelopment Commission, and Passages, Inc.

Jay is survived by his wife, Emancia Starr of Columbia City; his children, Jerry Starr, Mia Starr Johnson, and Seth Starr, all of Fort Wayne; his grandchildren Maxx Starr and Ember Johnson; and his sister, Sherry Sanchez of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Melody Starr Krejci.

A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.