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Jay Nipper Obituary
NIPPER, 48
Dolphin Plumbing
LAKELAND - Jay Nipper, beloved son and brother passed away Sunday, June 26, 2011 from heart failure.
Born in Lakeland, June 9, 1963, he made Lakeland his permanent home. He graduated from Lakeland High School and then became a Master Plumber and was the owner/operator of Dolphin Plumbing for the past 14 years.
His easy-going manner, engaging smile, infectious laugh, and uncanny comedic timing endeared him to many. He will forever be associated with funny tales, laughter, and good times. To know him was to laugh and enjoy life.
He is predeceased by his father, Gene Nipper. He is survived by his loving mother, Joy Nipper, brother, Dan Nipper, sisters Shawna Diamond (husband James), and Elena Blanton, nieces and nephews, Alexis and Kayla Diamond, Jason Nipper, and Brad Blan-ton.
Services will be held Friday, July 1, 2011 at the All Faith Baptist Chapel, 302 Longfellow Blvd., Lakeland, Fla. @ 11:00. Attire is casual. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America ( CCFA.ORG ).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jay Nipper
Stephen Pardue
June 24, 2025
Thinking of you my friend
David Johnson
June 24, 2024
What a Great Guy, I loved him like a brother, we went through school together and stayed friends forever, i miss his smile and friendship, god bless you Jay.
Stephen Pardue
June 24, 2024
I miss you my beautiful friend
Stephen Pardue
June 24, 2023
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
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Stephen Pardue
June 24, 2022
I think of you often my dear friend. Peace and Prayers
Paul Turk
June 24, 2022
I think of you often my friend. You are missed. Peace be to you and your family.
Scott Curry
June 24, 2021
Remembering a wonderful man ! A great friend and plumber.
Scott Curry
June 24, 2020
Miss you Jay, You were a good friend that always had a smile on your face ! Scott
Stephen Pardue
June 24, 2020
Miss you every day my friend ❤
Donna Shipp Culbreth
September 22, 2011
Jay, I'm sorry I am just now saying goodbye.... It wasn't because I forgot, it's just, I didn't want to let go... You are one of the kindest people I have ever known... Love and Miss You, Donna
September 14, 2011
Danny, Joy and the rest of the Nipper Family I amso sad for your loss hope God will give you all Peace,Love and Comfort through this time. I also was Blessed to have had alot of fun with Jay nothing but smiles and laughter when he was around. I send Love and Prayers to you all God Bless Tina
Leah Jackson
August 31, 2011
RIP My friend! You will be missed!
July 30, 2011
Joy Nipper and family,
My heartfelt condolences. I pray for God's presence and comfort as you get through this very difficult time. I have always had fond memories of you and your family; Jay's picture looks just like i remember him.
With love,
Susan Alvarez
Stephen Pardue
July 13, 2011
To the Nipper family, You raised and brought through your passage for life and love for children , You lost a son a Brother, Jay to me is my best friend and always will be, I am crying now just writing this but its not about me its about the Nipper family that will cry forever and i hope that you all know he had so much love for you all, he and i talked for many lengths of time when it was just Jay and Steve and he told me how much he loved you all in his way not my way or if it was your way of wanting to say how he loved you all,back to the day he drove his fathers truck and it put such a big smile on his face and the many true stories we shared, oh how i will miss this friend this companion , I get up every morning and say good morning jaybo and feel his comfortable laugh he is in us and always will be, Love Stephen Pardue
Paul Baggett
July 7, 2011
Mrs. Joy Nipper and family
I just learned of this very sad news a few minutes ago. My heart breaks for the loss you are feeling. I often think about your family and the impact that Captain Nipper,you, the boys and girls had on me when we were growing up. I want you to know that I will be praying for your family.
With deepest sympathy,
Bill Chamberlain
July 7, 2011
I remember Jay for his great sense of humor. Only the good die young my friend, and you were way past good. My condolences to his family and friends.
scott curry
July 6, 2011
AS A FELLOW PLUMBING CONTRACTOR, JAY AND I EXCHANGED A LOT OF SIMILAR STORIES AND EXPERIENCES. WE ALWAYS SEEMED TO FINISH OUR CONVERSATIONS WITH WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR EACH OTHER AND LAUGHTER. I WILL CERTAINLY MISS YOUR FRIENDSHIP HERE ON EARTH BUT I KNOW THAT YOU ARE IN HEAVEN WITH OUR LORD WHERE THESE EARTHLY PROBLEMS WE SPOKE OF DON'T EXIST. MAY GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY AND I LOOK FORWARD TO THE DAY WE WILL MEET AGAIN IN GODS KINGDOM. YOUR FRIEND,SCOTT CURRY
Karen (Freeman) Shelton
July 5, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are extended to all of the Nipper family. May God wrap his arms around you and may you find comfort in knowing he is at peace.
The Freeman Family
Paula Smith
July 3, 2011
We're so saddened by your loss. Please know our prayers are with you and your family. Paula (Fundock) Smith and husband, Vic Smith
Darline Schoenberger
July 2, 2011
During the memorial service, I could see how loved and special Jay was to his family and friends. I am so sorry for your loss.
Jeff Nance
July 1, 2011
What else can I say that others haven't?
I met Jay in the seventh grade at Crystal Lake Jr. High. He sat behind me in home room for three years. We had several other classes together as well.
At LHS we had a few classes here and there together. As with most everyone's experience with Jay mine probably isn't much different because Jay was consistant. The only time I ever saw Nipper get fired up was on a ball field and his fire wasn't anger, it was his competitive spirit.
If any of you guys every played any football with Jay and Danny you know what I'm talking about. Both of the Nipper boys played some tough ball and delivered some even tougher hits. Once the play ends and you're picking your butt up off the field Jay and Danny put out a hand to help you walk it off. Sportsmen, gentlemen, friends.
As for me, I'm celebrating Jay's life, and in celebration there is no room to mourn. After all, Jay was here on loan as we all are. I'm grateful that I was fortunate enough to have been given such a priceless loan that was a positive, lasting gift. The gift of friendship.
Rest well Jay.
Tammy Lee Mahlan
July 1, 2011
I remember the funny and fun loving Jay from high school...Jay you will be missed!
Curtis Holzschuh
July 1, 2011
Rest In Peace, my friend! Thanks for touching so many lives in your way-to-short time on this Earth. You've made our time here that much easier!
July 1, 2011
We are deeply sadden by Jay's death. He was a special person and will be missed by many. We will always remember his smile and comic remarks. Our prayers go out to his family and friends.
Sincerely,
Rod, Mary Beth, Diana and Tony Perry
(Past neighbors and friends)
Walter Robert Sangster
July 1, 2011
I and the class are so sorry for your lost . Walter R .Sangster and Class
of 52'
July 1, 2011
So very sorry for the loss of this great young man, I didn't know Jay but I knew his father Gene and grew up with his mom Joy.My heart aches for Joy and borther and sisters. May the Lord give you all strength and peace. Love you Joy. Myrtle Rumph O'Steen
Sheila Haas
July 1, 2011
My deepest sympathy to you and your family Dan. I know this is a terrible loss for you all. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.
Go rest high on that mountain dear friend
Tony Dias
July 1, 2011
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family. You were a great friend and will be missed dearly.
Ace Coffelt
July 1, 2011
"I never knew Jay personally. I remember seeing him at school (Jr. & Sr. High)...... But oh how I do remember that smile. Our deepest sympathies go out to Jays family & friends.
Ace & Joni (Cheatwood) Coffelt
David Johnson
July 1, 2011
Jay and I were great friends all through school and our childhood days, we palyed baseball and football together never was there a better sportsmen, friend than Jay, my heart and prayers go out to all of the Nippers, I believe Jay is with the Lord and smiling down on all of his family. God Bless you Jay.
Angelia Varner
July 1, 2011
My deep sympathy goes out to the family. And your extended family of friends . We will miss you as well. Our schools days in Jr.High and High School. Jay all ways had a smile that shined above all.You will treuly be missed but never forgotten.
Sally Bell
July 1, 2011
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Jeffrey Bivens
July 1, 2011
Jay, you were always as a brother to me, you will be in my heart and memories forever, your jokes, your opinions on whatever we may have been talking about that day, just the great friend you have been over the last 27 yrs or so, after to reconnect with your dad and others who have gone to be with the lord before you, do me a favor and stop by and say Hi! to my Mom, I Love You Brother!
Don Dekle and Dekle Family
July 1, 2011
Please accept our deepest sympathies. Jay will be missed, and memories of the old days will never be forgotten. Our hearts go out to you and your family.
Lori Brown
June 30, 2011
Jay such a nice and kind person. Always remember you back in the old Lakeland days. My heart goes out to you and your family. You are safely home with Jesus
Mike Walker
June 30, 2011
I haven't seen Jay for awhile, or spoken w/him but he was part of our bunch growin' up and he will be missed, he was a great person and friend and my sincerest condolences to all his family.
Chris Zuke
June 30, 2011
the trick is to live your days as if each one may be your last for they go fast and young men lose their lives in stfange and unforgettable ways but at the same time plan long range for they go slow today is the birthday of life and love and wings the seas beneath your crawl you watch from your mountan walls and into peace you finally fall.....
the nice guy i have meat thank for helping out there's not to many people like that anymore thank JAY from Chris Zuke
Joy Hawkins
June 30, 2011
He's laughing w/the croc hunter now! He had such an infectious laugh, loved life and everyone around him. God Bless.
jerry nipper
June 30, 2011
I never got to know jay very well, only met and talked to him once.
Mark Burns
June 30, 2011
Jay was a great guy and will be missed. We shared a lot of good times growing up together.
June 30, 2011
Our deepest sympathy. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
The Payne Family
Deborah Gillotte
June 30, 2011
My heart goes out to all of the family. The obituary says it all about him. Never a dull moment in his presence and his laughter was infectious. I never saw him angry or mad, he made light of everything.
God sure got an Angel with a smile that warmed the room and a laugh that could make even the maddest person smile.
I am greatful to have known Jay, he was definately one of a kind.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Nipper family and may God give them the strength in their time of need. God Bless You. Deborah Gillotte
Sabrina (Wade) Haines
June 30, 2011
So sorry to hear of Jay's passing. I will always remember his warm smile and hearty laugh. God bless his family and friends.
David Bayhan Jr.
June 30, 2011
I will always cherish the memories I have of working with Jay. His laughter and quick wit made the days fun. I learned so much from Jay and will always be grateful of the time we worked together. We had countless laughs; just thinking of him makes me smile. My deepest sympathies go to Jay’s family, he will be dearly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless.
Jen Hirsch
June 30, 2011
I'll always appreciate & never forget the heart felt kindness you extended to me. You were taken too soon from so many people who loved you and cared about you. The joy you brought to so many will never be forgotten. My heart and prayers go out to your family & friends.
Tina Jones
June 30, 2011
So sorry for your loss , May God Bless you ,and give you his strenght through this time ,Love, Tina Williams Jones
Cerena Lumley
June 30, 2011
I will always be very grateful to have called Jay my friend, he was a great guy..Jay was always smiling and his smile would always brighten my day.... I will always cherish every moment and memory that I have of him. My life has been truly blessed by knowing him. I miss and love you Jay...My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends ...Cerena
Robin Roessel
June 30, 2011
No words can express my sadness. My love, heart, and prayers go out to the Nipper Family.
Ann Burzynski Martin
June 30, 2011
Jay I will never forget all the memories you will be missed dearly.
Lisa Nipper
June 30, 2011
My heart & prayers go out to Jay's family & fiance. I know your in heaven surrounded by the loved ones that left this world before you. Rest in peace my husband. Love alway Lisa Nipper
Scott Hirsch
June 30, 2011
The good die young, another star in heaven, and a father & son united again. God bless Jay his family & friends.
June 30, 2011
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever. Jay will be deeply missed and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love,
Kim (Picciano)Gorman
Carolyn Dias Noonan
June 30, 2011
Jay's wonderful smile and great sense of humor will be missed as will his wonderful Croc Hunter imitation.
THOMAS BRADY
June 30, 2011
A TRUE FRIEND AND TERIFFIC BOSS FOR OVER 12 YRS. WHAT A JOY AND PRIVILEGE TO HAVE KNOWN AND WORKED SIDE BY SIDE WITH YOU. GODS SPEED MY FRIEND SEE YOU IN HEAVEN YOUR FRIEND TOM BRADY
Jeff Ostashen
June 30, 2011
You will be missed by all that loved you and who were friends, I will miss my football rival buddy.
Kim Vancil
June 30, 2011
Jay will be missed with his engaging smile and laughter. My thoughts and prayers to the family.
Janiece Valentine-Halverson
June 30, 2011
Jay was my classmate thru Junior and Senior High. That smile was there everyday! And it was easy for him to bring a smile to mine! Jay!! You will be missed by all who knew you. RIP friend.
June 30, 2011
So sorry to learn this news. My heart goes out to all of Jay's family and you will all be in my prayers. Kevin Short
Annette Armstrong
June 30, 2011
I am sorry to hear of Jay's passing. He was a childhood friend of my brother and was always around to share a laugh with my family over the years. He was very loving to my mother and helpful during her illness before cancer took her life. I felt that I could always call on him if I needed help. We have lost a caring, loving man in this world. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends through this tragic time. God Bless. Annette Johnston Armstrong
Paul Turk
June 30, 2011
Growing up there was nobody more important or that had a bigger impact on me than Jay. I can’t imagine what life would have been like not growing up with him. Jay’s smile, laugh and quick wit never let me down. He was one of the sharpest people I’ve ever met. I was honored to have Jay as head usher at my wedding. While we only saw each other occasionally anymore, we always just picked up right where we left off. So, to Jay I raise my glass and say “Well done, my friend. I love you and will miss you. The world has now lost some of its fun. I look forward to the day I see you again in Glory.” To Jay’s family and friends- We’re all better for having known him. You have my deepest sympathy and prayers. Peace, Paul
Vickie Dias-Canady
June 30, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
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