L. Harrison Jay

L. (Lamont) Harrison Jay, known to one and all as "Jay," passed away peacefully on October 30, 2025, surrounded by family and friends who supported him. The husband of the late JoAnne A. Epps, former president of Temple University, Jay was 71 at the time of his death in his home state of New Jersey. Born on October 9, 1954, in Somers Point, New Jersey, and raised in Atlantic City, Jay was the beloved son of Dolores E. Jay Mister (Ernest) and the grandson of Hester Jay. He and his sister, Sheila E. Jay, grew up under the watchful and loving care of his mother and grandmother and were also deeply influenced by their uncle, Winfield Jay, Sr.
Jay attended the Atlantic City public school system, including Indiana Avenue Elementary and Central Junior High School, before graduating from Oakcrest High School in 1972. A proud Oakcrest letterman, he excelled in both wrestling and football, demonstrating the drive to achieve that would define much of his life. A talented musician, Harrison played keyboard and sang vocals with the local band Free Spirit LTD, which opened for acts such as Kool and the Gang on the Atlantic City circuit.
Pursuing higher education with determination, Jay attended Atlantic City Community College before going on to the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned his undergraduate degree. He later completed his MBA at Stanford University, achievements that opened doors to a wide and varied career path.
While still in Atlantic City, Jay met and was later employed and mentored by the legendary politician and attorney, and former mayor of San Francisco, Willie Brown, whose guidance shaped his professional and civic outlook. In California, he also worked for and developed a friendship with Fred Jordan, an engineering entrepreneur and civil rights leader. Through his relationships with Mr. Brown and Mr. Jordan, Jay developed a commitment to serving his community.
Returning to the Philadelphia area, Jay met then assistant U.S. Attorney JoAnne Epps, who would later join Temple's law school faculty in 1985. They married in 1988 and settled in Shamong Township, New Jersey. As both of their careers developed at Temple, they supported one another and grew and prospered. Together, they also made a lasting impression on the Temple University community, the City of Philadelphia and beyond. At the time of JoAnne's death in September 2023, they had recently celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary.
Professionally, Jay worked as a pharmaceutical representative for Hoffmann-La Roche Pharmaceuticals and later joined Salick Health Care, serving at Temple Cancer Center as director of marketing. In 1998, he joined Temple University Health System as director of community relations and moved to a similar position at Temple University in 2006, retiring in 2021. At Temple Health and later at Temple University, he developed his deep commitment to community service, youth empowerment and mentoring, leading career programs, supporting charitable efforts, and contributing to local causes. He was particularly proud of his involvement with the original Dawn Staley Foundation. Most recently, Jay served as the campaign manager for Anastasia Zuccaro in her run for election to the Shamong Township Committee. Anastasia and her husband, Bill Ryan, were neighbors and friends of JoAnne and Jay.
Jay lived life fully and stylishly. He was known for his impeccable taste and was always well dressed, with an eye for fine clothes, accessories, cars, and good company. He loved cooking elaborate meals for family and friends and enjoyed vacations to the Outer Banks with his wife JoAnne and their circle of close friends. His hobbies included billiards, golf, poker, cycling, racquetball, boating, and cheering for his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. He was an avid fan of Formula 1 racing, fine cigars and spirits, and classic military and espionage films like Top Gun and the James Bond series.
In addition to the steadfast love and support from his sister Sheila, Jay developed a strong and supportive chosen family-his godson, Justin Waller, and Justin's son, Mike, JoAnne's right hand and dear friend, Donna Lamborne, and Donna's husband Trae, his Temple crew, led by his former boss and faithful friend, William T. (Bill) Bergman, and a posse of New Jersey neighbors and longtime friends.
Jay was preceded in death by his wife, JoAnne A. Epps, his grandmother, Hester Jay, his mother, Dolores Jay, his Uncle Winfield Jay, and his beloved dogs Bo and Harley, who no doubt welcomed him home.
A celebration of Jay's life will be held on Friday, November 7, at Greater Exodus Baptist Church, 704-714 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA. There will be a viewing from 8:00-10:00 am and the funeral service will begin promptly at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at Atlantic City Cemetery, 629 W. Washington Avenue, Pleasantville, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the JoAnne A. Epps Memorial Funds (https://giving.temple.edu/epps).
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