Dr. Subramania "Jay" Jegathesan

Dr. Subramania ("Jay") Jegathesan passed away on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Dr. Jay was born in Tamil Nadu state in India in January 1939 and spent his childhood in Chennai. Dr. Jay served for many years as a pediatric surgeon at the three major Tulsa hospitals.

Dr. Jay received his medical training from Stanley Medical College in Chennai. After graduating, Dr. Jay came to America early in his medical career for a fellowship in Chicago, Illinois. During this fellowship, Dr. Jay met his future wife, Roberta ("Bobbie"), who worked as a nurse.

After starting his private practice career in San Antonio, Dr. Jay and Bobbie moved to Tulsa in the mid-1970s. Dr. Jay built a reputation as a capable surgeon, helping countless children.

Dr. Jay was an avid photographer, birdwatcher, and stargazer. He and his family loved to travel, including many family trips to Western Hills Lodge at Sequoyah State Park. Over the years, Dr. Jay and his family also housed many "worthless" dogs, including Betty, a Dachshund admitted to the Oklahoma Animal Hall of Fame. Most of all, he loved his grandchildren, who called him "Geep" and particularly enjoying eating ice cream with him.

Dr. Jay is survived by his daughters, Anjana Simpson and Manda Jegathesan; and three grandchildren, Nik Sanz, Kiri Simpson and Eden Simpson; in addition to his two brothers and sister and their extended families. Dr. Jay was predeceased by his wife, Bobbie; and son, Jay Jegathesan; his parents; and his sister, Lalitha Balakrishnan.

A private funeral service will be held by the family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be sent to the Tulsa Audubon Society and the National Wildlife Federation.

www.stanleysfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Tulsa World from Jan. 21 to Jan. 24, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Subramania Jegathesan

Sponsored by Stanleys Funeral & Cremation Service.

26 Entries

Lance

July 30, 2025

Dr. J has been gone a few years but people like me, who he operated on in 1982, still think of him. To this day as memories fade I still remember his last name clearly. All of these posts I read are as I remember him too. Such a kind, giving person

KARTIK PASHUPATI

February 15, 2023

KARTIK PASHUPATI

February 15, 2023

KARTIK PASHUPATI

February 15, 2023

While biking on the trails in Bob Woodruff Park in Plano, Texas, I chanced upon a park bench memorializing Dr. Jegathesan. I did not know him or his family, but curiosity about the memorial led me to an internet search, and to this web site. My thanks to Dr. J's family for sponsoring a park bench in the memory of this man from my home state of Tamilnadu. He obviously made a positive impact on the lives of many people.

How you can show support

Send flowers

Consider sending flowers.

Add photos

Share their life with photo memories.

Plant trees

Honor them by planting trees in their memory.

Donate in Memory

Make a donation in memory of your loved one.

Share this page

Invite other friends and family to visit the page.

Pete & Paty Seratte

January 15, 2022

Almost 44 years ago, Dr. Jay saved my daughter's life. I loved this man. Rest in Peace, Doctor.

MARY POWERS

February 5, 2021

My heart is saddened to here of Dr. Jay's passing. I worked for this man 14 years and come to think of him as a father figure. My prayers are with his daughters and their families. I will miss him dearly. Mary Powers

Penny and Pat Haney

January 23, 2021

We were your next door neighbors on Sleepy Hollow Drive for many years. We remember your dad as a kind, generous and caring gentleman. We frequently chatted "over the fence" on many a morning as we each departed for the hospital. He was a great man. I have retold the story of Bette many many times. Our sincere condolences.
Penny and Pat

Monica Castleman

January 23, 2021

I was one of the privileged nurses that got to work with Dr J in EOPC. I remember his passion for the children under his care. He always put his patients first. He had high expectations of the care we provided. I learned so much from him. I remember his laugh when you would catch him in a joking mood. Lifting the Jegathesan family up in prayers! May God´s peace be with you.

Andrew Z Hartman

January 23, 2021

Im so sorry for your loss this man saved my life and i believe no one else could have done it. I was only 12, I'm 38 and living a successful happy life because of Dr.jay

Pete & Paty Seratte

January 23, 2021

Our prayers to the family of a great doctor. Thank you Dr. "J" for saving our infant's life in 1978 when she was born with a birth defect. We will never forget you. May you rest in peace.

Dianna Osborn

January 22, 2021

We are so very sorry to hear of the passing of dear Dr. J. I worked with him in the NICU@ SFH for many years and he honestly was the BEST Pediatric Surgeon in Tulsa! My family and I will hold our many memories of him deep in our hearts. We are truly Blessed to have had him as a friend. Our prayers are with you at this time...... Dianna,Mike and Rachel Osborn

Yohanan and Cynthia Zomer

January 22, 2021

We are heartbroken. We loved him
Our thoughts and prayers are with Annie Amanda and the kids.

Connie Barfoot

January 22, 2021

I am very saddened to learn of Dr Js passing. He was a great man and surgeon. Heart of gold saved so many children. I learned so very much from him. The care I take with my patients today I learned from him. He use to say "Barfoot if this was your family what would you do?" Excellent care all the way. Rest In Peace Sir.

Kellie Brown

January 21, 2021

I worked with Dr. J at Saint Francis Hospital from 1989 forward. He was a skilled surgeon and a passionate advocate for his patients - there was no one better. He demanded excellence in the delivery of patient care and provided education follow up whenever needed. His Christian values shined through. I agree with others on this post, His influence in Healthcare was far reaching among patients and staff alike. He will be sorely missed. I offer my deepest sympathy for your loss.

Bette Weeks

January 21, 2021

Wow! How do you even begin to pay tribute to a man who has touched so many lives. His patients, fellow physicians, nurses, auxiliary staff. I first met Dr. J. as a graduate nurse in the old EOPC at SFH in 1976. He could be a bear to get along with, but he will always have our love and respect. He was a tremendous mentor and I consider myself fortunate to have worked with and learned from such a gifted physician. Thank you Dr. J. RIP my friend. God bless.

Sue Banschbach

January 21, 2021

A great man and a great surgeon. I worked with him at Saint Francis for many years as the manager. When I ran into him last year he immediately recognized me and remembered my name. Such a loss!

Meg Walter

January 21, 2021

Thank you for 30 years that I saw you almost daily . You help me delivery excellent care to all our children

Pat WrightEvans

January 21, 2021

I offer my sympathies on the loss of Dr J. As Director of surgery at St John he and I had many meaningful talks. He was a great surgeon, friend and cared for all those he served and cared for. Above all he was a great Christian man. He is in God´s arms. He will be missed.

Julie Mobley

January 21, 2021

My sincerest condolences to his daughters and grandchildren. I had the privilege of working for years with Dr Jegathesan in the Operating Room at St John Medical Center, until his retirement a few years ago. He often spoke of his wife, children, or grandchildren and remembered to ask his coworkers often about how their family members were doing. He was a fantastic surgeon, a caring member of the medical team, and friend to many. His legacy reaches far and wide, in both the patients he cared for, sometimes even multigenerational, but also in the relationships he fostered over such a long and successful career. It was my honor to have known and worked with him. He will be sorely missed.

Dee Herron

January 21, 2021

I worked with Dr. J for many years in the EOPC at SFH and am so sorry to hear of his death! He was a brilliant Dr. and surgeon and have seen many miracles performed through him! He will be missed and my condolences to his daughter and her family!

Tonya Richardson

January 21, 2021

To the family, i am so sorry for your loss. Dr. J was one of the first surgeons i got to work with at St. Johns as a scrub tech. He taught me so much. He was a wonderful person and will truly be missed

Carlotta Rose

January 21, 2021

I am so very sorry to hear of Dr. J's passing. We became very good friends while we worked at St. Francis Children's hospital. I remember one Nurse's Day he nominated me for patient advocate. When asked why he picked me he said "because she's not afraid to go 10 rounds with me when she knew it was in the best interest of our patient"! Our relationship solidified after this to one of mutual trust and respect.
He also became friends with my Dad who had done some carpentry work for him. They often talked of gardening. Dad could grow the biggest and best tomatoes and Dr. J was having problems getting his to grow. They enjoyed each other's company very much. My Dad who is going to be 94 in September and just stopped being able to garden himself last summer will be sad to hear of his passing too. Offering prayers to all the family. Dr. J was much more than just a highly skilled surgeon, he was a loving and caring man. We will all miss him.

Jane Hewett

January 21, 2021

I worked with Dr J for many years as a nurse at St Francis in Pediatrics & PICU from 1977 on. He taught me so much!
He was a great asset to this community. My sympathy.

Nancy (Bonilla) Rardin

January 21, 2021

I'm so saddened to hear of the recent passing of your mom and dad. Your family was very dear to me. For the many years I managed his office, they treated me as part of the family. I have so many fond memories. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Muthu

January 21, 2021

Iam deeply sorrowed by the demise of my uncle dr Jay

Susan Rose, M.D.

January 21, 2021

Dr. J was one of my favorite teachers when I was a resident 30 years ago. He has a tremendous amount of my respect and admiration. I was sorry to hear of his passing. My heart goes out to his family and collegues. He will be greatly missed.

Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results