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1951 - 2020

BORN

1951

DIED

2020

Jay Latta Obituary

Jay Latta
August 11, 1951- October 7, 2020
Soquel
On Wednesday, October 7th, 2020, Jay Allen Latta, beloved father, husband, artist and jeweler, died at his Soquel home at the age of 69.
Jay was born on August 11th, 1951 to Don Latta and Carol Latta (née Tarver) of Santa Cruz, CA. Between 1955 and 1969 Jay attended almost every school in Santa Cruz and became a self-taught jeweler in the late 60's. Jay met his life partner Martha Ludmilla Orr in December 1977. Together they raised two children, Atticus Howard and Zoe Ruth.
Jay owned and operated Latta Jewelry in the Capitola Village for the last 44 years. His one of a kind designs have adorned countless loyal customers, friends, and family. His practice was mostly based in gold, and from meteorite to precious gems, Jay always found distinctive materials that spoke to him. The unique legacy of Latta Jewelry will live on under the direction of his son Atticus.
Jay was a true Renaissance man and it seemed as though he could make or do just about anything. The products of his pursuits in graphic arts, glass work, carpentry and woodworking revealed his boundless creativity and genius. Jay was also a well studied historian of both local and international history. He was a life-long learner, guided by curiosity and an insatiable hunger for knowledge. He could beat most at a game of Jeopardy, but would still be sure to greet anyone familiar with "Hey you!" just in case he had forgotten their name.
Jay was strong and resilient in the face of his two-year long fight against cancer, eventually succumbing to complications of the disease.
Jay was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Martha, son Atticus and daughter Zoe, who is expecting Jay's first grandson. He is also survived by his granddaughter Dahlia Jay, his daughter-in-law Alecia Kringen, his son in-law Riley O'Neill Latta, his brother and sister, Fred and Muffy Latta, his brother-in-law Bobby Witham, his best friend Bart Dollhead, along with many, many other beloved friends and family members.
A private memorial service will be held on November 15th. His family is assembling an archive and would like to hear from you if you have images of him or his work. For more information please email: [email protected].
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Hospice of Santa Cruz County or Planned Parenthood. He will be sorely missed and forever remembered by his radiant laugh.

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Published by Santa Cruz Sentinel on Oct. 25, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Jay Latta

Sponsored by santacruzsentinel.com.

12 Entries

Evan Wilson and Isabel Solomon

Planted Trees

Rhonda Neuchiller

August 4, 2021

Will always remember this gentle man and his contagious laugh.

Colette Girard Bruehl

August 1, 2021

I was sorry to hear of Jay´s passing my condolences go to his family.
May his spirit live on in the lives of those he loved and in the works of art he created.

Margaret Friedmann

November 22, 2020

What can I say... I am camping in New Brighten right now... I went online to see if your store was open... to get a replacement for my husbands lost wedding ring ... We will be celebrating our 35th wedding anniversary ... Love my rings... so grateful to have gotten to be part of the artistic spirit of Latta’s Jeweley...

Margaret Friedmann

November 22, 2020

Basil Katz

Planted Trees

Kirsten Anderson Schwartz

October 26, 2020

I first new Jay when I was tending bar at Mr. Toot's Olde English Coffee House, down the street from the jewelry shop, and where I worked with Martha. Jay made my and my husband's wedding rings--very simple, very beautiful. Jay could always crack me up. I'm sad he's gone and send love to Martha....

Aileen

October 26, 2020

I will remember Jay Latta through his work with all things that sparkle and shine, he was great with customers and fantastic with detail and making beautiful out of just ok. His legacy will live on in fine remembrances.
Thank you and my best to his family. Aileen

Wayne Fravel

October 25, 2020

Sorry to hear the news. Yes, Jay was a true Renaissance man, no doubt about it. I had the increbile pleasure of knowing his grandfather Frank, who used to own the Gazos Ranch. When I met Frank, I could see where Jay got his spirit for both truly followed the passions in life. My thoughts and prayers go out to Fred and to Jay's entire family.

Michèle

October 25, 2020

Jay was a master jeweler that royalty would have been honored to wear. I considered him a long time friend. Any visit to Capitola was an excuse to stop in and hang out with Jay.
His knowledge of Celtic history was incredible. His design work was impeccable.
It showed in everything he created from stain glass lamps, furniture and of course his love of jewelry. Essence of Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Celtic, mythology and his own personal style could be found in his creations.
Over the years I commissioned nearly a dozen rings to be created by Jay. I wear them all daily and they are complimented daily. They are my protection and I am so honored to wear them. Extraordinary craftsmanship, style, comfort and magick exist in each of his creations.
He and I would always joust our way through, when enough was enough, on their design. Which was the journey of each rings incarnation. At the completion of each piece he’d ‘ surpassed’ whatever we had discussed.
I am deeply saddened and will forever miss his coy smile, witt and friendship.
I will see you the next time around Jay, I’ll look forward what kind of mischief we can create in gold and gems with great pleasure.
All Love to Atticus and the rest of Jays family. My heart goes out to you ❤

Linda Maldonado Barmann

October 25, 2020

I was sad to hear of the passing of Jay today. I knew Jay and Muffy from Harbor High in Santa Cruz. I remember Jay fondly as such a kind and friendly person. I purchased a couple of rings from his shop. No matter when I came in as busy as we was, he would always make you feel welcome. Just a short story. I brought in my old funky chunky ring that I bought at the Flea Market. I wanted to know if it was a real diamond and if it was, I wanted my wedding ring to be made with the stone. Jay checked out the chunky ugly setting and asked, Where did you get this? I told him. He asked, does he have any more? I said, I m not sure. Jay asked what did you pay for this? I said 100. He said. You got lucky. This is a 1930-1940 rose cut diamond just under 1/2 a carat worth about 1,200. No wonder he wanted to know if there were more. Anyway just a fun memory of sweet Jay. RIP my friend. I love my ring.

Vicki

October 25, 2020

So many heartfelt memories from Aptos Creek when our kids were tots, to disc golf with our kids as adults, from listening to his laugh while "manning" the BBQ with Steve to his warm engagement in discussion with all our children, from the beautiful and unique jewelery we all wear to walking the beach at Rio. He truly is part of the fabric of our lives. His love for his family radiated from the passion he had in sharing family news and stories, and his love for his friends was always there in his generosity, attentiveness and laughter. Always in our hearts.

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