John Joseph Fox Jr.

1935 - 2021

FOX, John Joseph, Jr., 86, died peacefully, surrounded by family on May 10, 2021. Jay was born in Bluefield, West Virginia in 1935. He graduated from Augusta Military Academy in Fort Defiance, Virginia, where he developed a love for competitive swimming. Next, he graduated from Washington and Lee University and set multiple school records in the swimming pool, and he captained the team his senior year. He was inducted into the Washington and Lee Sports Hall of Fame in 2007. His love for the pool continued until recent health complications halted his normal exercise routine.

While at school in Lexington, Jay belonged to Delta Tau Delta. During junior year, some of his fraternity brothers took him over the mountain to have a blind date with a fellow West Virginian, Anne Gwinn, who attended Sweet Briar College. They fell in love and married after graduation in 1957. They would have celebrated their 64th anniversary next month.

Shortly after graduation, Jay enlisted in the Army and attended training at Fort Knox. In 1958, Anne and Jay moved to Richmond, and Jay entered the banking world at First & Merchants National Bank and then later Central National Bank. Jay also served in the Virginia Army National Guard until 1967. He later worked for Life of Virginia before retirement.

Jay was an active member of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church for many years. He was a longtime member of the Country Club of Virginia and the Polar Bear Club. Jay was a 47-year member of the Kiwanis Club of Richmond and always enjoyed seeing friends at the weekly Monday luncheons. He also belonged to the Sons of the Revolution. Jay was passionate about history which is one of the reasons he attended Washington and Lee University. For many years, Jay gave guided tours at Hollywood Cemetery. He loved the Appalachian Trail and spent many days hiking along the network in Virginia.

He was predeceased by his brother, James Edward "Bubby" Fox. He is survived by his wife, Anne; and children, John (Nancy) of Winchester, Va., Sarah (Bert) of Toronto, Canada, Ted (Paige) of Manakin-Sabot, Va. and Andrew (Amelia) of Ridgefield, Conn.; plus seven grandchildren and two nieces.

Jay's life will be remembered by a memorial service at the Hollywood Cemetery Mausoleum at 2 p.m. Monday, May 17. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Kiwanis Club of Richmond, P.O. Box 17825, Richmond, Va. 23226 or online at kiwanisrva.com/donate.