JAY RICKS

1932 - 2021

RICKS JAY EDWIN RICKS Jay Edwin Ricks, 88, passed away at home in Arlington, Virginia on July 18, 2021 due to complications of Parkinson's Disease. Jay was born on July 31, 1932 in Washington, DC to Beulah Compton Ricks and Albert Rankin Ricks. In 1951, Jay graduated from Washington-Lee High School, where he lettered in both football and track and field, earning the title of Virginia state champion in the shot put. Jay attended college at the University of Maryland, where he served as President of Kappa Alpha fraternity and lettered in track and field for shot put and javelin. Upon graduating in 1956, Jay was commissioned into the United States Air Force and served in duty stations in Florida, Wisconsin, and Japan. Upon arriving in Japan at Komatsu Air Station as a 2nd Lieutenant, he became commanding officer. After three years of active duty in the USAF, he entered Georgetown University Law School, and in 1962 graduated first in his class. He joined the law firm of Hogan and Hartson where he practiced law for 30 years, specializing in communications. In 1967, Jay was elected to the Arlington County Board where he served until 1971. During this time, he was active in transportation issues and Vice Chairman of Metro during the critical phase of planning the Metro system. At Hogan and Hartson, Jay was instrumental in building the Communications practice through his support of the nascent Cable Television industry. Jay characterized his role as a problem solver. "What I like to think I've done best over the years is to identify a solution to a problem and try to bring that solution about." Whether through litigation, including winning arguments at the U.S. Supreme Court, legislation, or regulatory change, Jay's innovative solutions and advocacy gave his clients room to grow into the giants of the industry. After his retirement, he joined his longtime friend, Douglas Dittrick, as Chairman of the Board of Douglas Communications Corp., an owner of rural cable television systems. Jay was an avid golfer, often shooting below his age in later life. He enjoyed an annual trip with his golfing buddies during which they played some of the most famous courses around the world. He was also an enthusiastic sailor, and owned a series of boats in which he cruised the Chesapeake Bay and up and down the East Coast. Jay is survived by his wife of 65 years, the former Debby Savage. He is also survived by his brother, Albert W. Ricks (Agneta); his sister-in-law, Susan Marener (Bill); his children Douglas Ricks (Susan), Stephen Ricks (Heather), and Catherine Piwowarski (Matt). He is survived by his eight grandchildren: Wilson Ricks, Allison Cedrone-Ricks, Annabel Ricks, Maxwell Cedrone-Ricks, Angus Ricks, Emily Piwowarski, Matthew Piwowarski, and Trevi Grace Ricks. A memorial service will be held on Saturday October 2, 2 p.m., at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 2609 N. Glebe Rd., Arlington, VA, followed by a celebration of life at Washington Golf and Country Club, 3017 N. Glebe Rd., Arlington, VA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to YouthHaven or Grace Place, Naples Florida or the Salvation Army.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to YouthHaven or Grace Place, Naples Florida or the Salvation Army.