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Dean Jay Obituary
July 27, 1943 - July 14, 2021
Puyallup, Washington - Dean E. Jay, 77 year old Air Force CMSgt retired, of Puyallup, Washington unexpectedly passed away peacefully July 14, 2021 while visiting his daughter and family in Ashland, Montana.
All who knew Dean remarked that he 'never knew a stranger.' A friend summed it up by saying, "I've never known a person that was so willing to help everyone he met."
Born to Elizabeth Alice and Archie B. Jay on July 27, 1943 in Ware, Massachusetts, Dean spent his early years in West Brookfield, MA before graduating form David Prouty High School and enlisting in the Air Force. A Veteran of the Vietnam War, Dean served both overseas and domestically. Dean began his military career as a radar controller and retired 30 years later in the position of Senior Enlisted Advisor for the 25th Air Division at McChord Air Force Base and Chief Enlisted Manager of the Northwest Air Defense Sector.
Being a military man through and through, he went on to teach ROTC class at Clover Park High School in Lakewood, WA for 11 additional years. Finally, he was ready to actually retire.
His next adventure was to purchase an RV and head to Wickenburg, Arizona with his wife Jean. They would spend the next 18 winters there with whom he called 'our winter family.' Due to his ability to recognize what needed to be done and take charge, his friends bestowed on him the title 'Mayor of Valle Vista.' Dean enjoyed riding in the desert in his ATV with his friends from the Valle Vista RV Park, playing cornhole and sitting at happy hour enjoying the hour long stories. Most of all, he enjoyed being with his family and friends.
Dean loved his Lord and was very involved with his churches. Summer found him worshiping at Puyallup Nazarene Church in Washington where he ushered. Winters, he practiced his faith at Faith Baptist Church in Wickenburg, Arizona.
Dean is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jean Jay of Puyallup, WA; daughters Donna(James) Stevenson of Ashland, MT and Patti (Darrin) Wilson of Gig Harbor, WA; grandchildren Britni Stevenson, Wesley (Danielle) Stevenson, Shyla Wilson, Shelby Stevenson and Lorin Stevenson; 8 great grandchildren; his brothers Arthur (Betty) Jay of Brookfield, MA and George (Nancy) Jay of West Spingfield, MA; several nieces and nephews and mother-in-law Lorraine Monette of Worcester, MA.
Services will be held at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dean Jay
John Thime
July 21, 2024
Dean was a quiet presence in my life, never angry, never loud just a guide. You are missed by many
Fa´asoa
October 23, 2023
I am alive and living the most joyous and fulfilling life today while holding on to my faith because of my "god father" as I affectionately called him for years with his permission!!
We were extremely close. He was my teacher/mentor/father figure/friend and guide!
He believed in me when no one else did. Supported me from afar even as I entered into civilian ministry and then finally as a Navy Chaplain like he and I had often talked about.
This news threw me off my rocker. He seemed to healthy and active...loved people/his family and his service to his country...and he loved me like a son.
I am utterly shocked but relieved that if he was struggling with an ailment I knew nothing about...that at least he now rests.
To Mrs. Jay.....this is Fa´asoa. I first met you whilst a senior at Clover Park High in Lakewood Washington while Puyallup was your home. My heart is broken but I will continue to cherish the sacred memories I have of him and you!!
Humbly...Fa´asoa Michael Fa´asoa & family in Nampa, Idaho.
Katherine King
August 20, 2022
I remember all the greatness you gave me as my teacher at Clover Park. Rest in Peace.
Charlie and Cathy/AKA THE WICKENBURG GANG
July 21, 2022
From the first time we met Dean we were pleasantly surprised to know such a wonderful person and relish his beautiful smile. He was so much fun on all our adventures into the High Sonoran desert around Wickenburg. He had it all arranged for our trek to The William´s Family Ranch on several occasions and a great time was had by all due to his thoughtfulness and foresight. I will never forget the time when he was unloading his 4X4 from the back of his truck and mistakenly had it in the wrong gear and backed into the rear window breaking it into a thousand pieces. He just smiled and said "OOPS". Jean, I hope things are going well for you at this sad time and Cathy and I wish you the best and send our thoughts and prayers.
Charlie & Cathy
Shontee Moorehead
June 2, 2022
What a blow to find out your passed. I just found out by visiting your page to tag you in another one of your students getting promoted. I´m so glad you decided to work at Clover Park High School and that I got to join the first year you were there. Servant Leader that is what you are for sure. Your teachings have lived on for many generations and I´m sure that many of them are continue to serve others. Thank you for blessing us wayward kids with you care and leadership. Heaven has a gotten another great person to rejoice!!!
To the Family of Chief Jay - I´m so sorry for your loss. I can only imagine that this must be a tough year for you. I will keep you in my prayers and send strength your way. Thank you for sharing him with us...
Zachary LaFave
October 2, 2021
Went to look you up and found you had passed away. Wanted to say thank you for deciding to be a teacher and having a huge impact on my life. You taught a finance block of instruction that wasn't part of the curriculum and it inspired me in a bunch of ways I really wanted to share with you because I could tell how much you cared about our futures. You were a great person and I'm extremely fortunate to cross paths with you at that part of my life. Rest in peace Chief!
Franco Brown
August 17, 2021
Thanks for all the great memories Chief...you will always be remembered and truly missed. Condolences to your ohana.
Shelly Rosenoff
August 17, 2021
Dear Jean and family,
I was saddened to read of Dean's passing, but I rejoice in his graduation to Heaven with honors for living a life as a son of God should. He was always positive, and if he had some wisdom to share, I always listened carefully. zi rfemember well his ready smile and the certainty he exhibited simply by being in a room! I know you must miss him so much! May you be blessed by your memories of him, and my God give you the peace that passes understanding through His Son Jesus Christ. What a blessing to know that Dean is now in His presence, seeing Him face-to-face! We will join Dean soon, and the celebration will be beyond our understanding!! My love to you and your family.
Tim Bhan
August 16, 2021
Jean,
The news of Dean´s passing is just now reaching his old students and we are saddened. He had such an impact on SO many of us and the amount of good that he instilled into the world with his mentorship and friendship is immeasurable. Please if you need anything I can be reached at 2536910997.
Thank you so much to you and the rest of your family for sharing him with us!
John Thime
August 16, 2021
Jean,
Dean was my mentor and more importantly a great friend and will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. My sympathy to you and your family...
Charity Ragin Moore
August 16, 2021
Chief Jay was my JROTC instructor. I also was a member of the drill team. He was always fun and lighthearted. We always had a good time and I look back on high-school, JROTC and our drill meets with great memories because of him. He touched many in his time here and will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace and love.
Major Don MacSparran
August 2, 2021
I served with Chief Jay for several years in the late '80's as both our USAF careers came to a close. He was a true servant leader as he mentored the next generation of USAF leaders at McChord and Clover Park HS. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and many friends during this difficult time.
Becky Skinner
July 31, 2021
Jean and family, it was a pleasure knowing your dad. He was one of the happiest and nicest person I knew. I met him through my dad, who was also in the Air Force. We will miss seeing him in Arizona. My condolences to you and your family.
Jim Grant
July 31, 2021
You left all of us too soon Dean. Your kindness and laughter will last forever. RIP my friend, you are missed.
Bob & Sylvia Delp
July 30, 2021
We were shocked to hear about Dean. Hope all is well
Bob & Sylvia
Philip and Bonnie Weinrich
July 28, 2021
We met Dean and Jean when they came to Wickenburg. Dean fit in with desert gang, park crew and our church. He was loved by all. He will be greatly missed.
Lt Col Griffin USAFA Liaison
July 27, 2021
Deepest sympathies to the family,
Chief Jay was dedicated, caring, and a Great Role Model for young people
Dean Middleton
July 26, 2021
Jean and girls was saddened to hear the news. He was a great mentor to me and I owe much of my life successes to him. We met at Malmstrom then went to Clear AK and then to McChord. I was blessed to have him during my first 3 Air Force assigned. He was a great man and I always had the utmost respect for him. May God bless and keep you.
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