I was saddened to read about Jay's passing. I worked with him at J-TEC for about five years. He served with me on the wellness committee, trying to influence employees to get healthy. Jay was such fun to work with. I'm sure he is making people laugh in heaven. Prayers for his family.

I knew Jay for maybe four or five years, always enjoyed talking to him at Big Grove. Jay knew something about everything, so there was nothing he couldn't talk about. He, the son of a doctor, me a doctor, he always ready to regale me with tales of his boyhood accompanying his general practitioner dad to accidents. Sports? Yeah, the Hawkeyes, but he had his eye on my Notre Dame as well. And his menagerie of dogs and our wolfhounds were always easy conversation. My bad knees meant that he would immediately give up his seat, usually with some lame excuse about needing to do rounds at the bar, mingle with those he knew, meet those he didn't. Either way, whether you knew Jay or just met him, you couldn't forget him. That twinkle in his eye. His laughter, sometimes only a single ha. And if he agreed with you about something, a staccato of yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah. Jay was one of a kind, and I was blessed to know him, can only miss him now, forever.

Thanks for keeping the EV Administration under control:) Miss you already JBird but, I have a lifetime of great memories with you. Go Hawks!

RIP my friend!

Brad Kirkpatrick

Being a Chef at Big Grove Brewery, I will occasionally stop by tables and chat about their experience. More often then not, Jay would be at the bar doing work, watching sports or just hanging out. Over the past 5 years, I've gotten to know him pretty well. We shared our love for food and endless stories. Going to be tough not seeing you anymore, was truly a great friend to get to know over the years. Rest easy Jay! You will never be forgotten.

Egor & I send our deepest sympathy. Jay would come thru the door on Hawkeye game day to sit in what he called his "Gold Seat" to watch the game. He left many memories for us when he lived in South English. He will be missed by many.

I was so shocked and saddened to read about Jay’s passing. I was lucky enough to work with him for about 5 years. He was a hard worker and had fun while getting the job done. I offer my sympathy to Sara and the whole family. Jay was always so proud of the kids. RIP, Jay.

Gary Roling

My heart goes out to The Miller family, last time I saw Jay was at his and Sara’s wedding reception . His family was a huge part of my growing up. I have Amazing memories of Jay as a young boy. May he watch over his family and join the Angels. He will be a “Hoot” in heaven!! Love to all!!

We met Jay at Stone City brewery in Solon. My greatest memory of Jay is when we had the horseradish party and he took a huge sniff of it, he turned so red I thought he was going to pass out. rest in peace, you will truly be missed. Marilyn & Steve Grover.

RIP Jay. We have so many memories of your family spending time with ours. So very sorry for your loss. Bruce and Amy Anderson

Met Jay in Solon at Stone City Brewery. In conversation we discovered that I worked with his wife. Jay always brought a grin to any conversation. It was always a joy to bump into him because you knew he would say something enjoying. He was a joy to know, a joy of life. Will treasure forever that I knew him.

Growing up in North English I knew Doc Larry, Johnnie and the kids just like everyone else. (My parents Bob and Gloria Buckner ran the grocery store.)After college graduation I returned to coach at English Valleys and started running into Jay at XC meets when Molly was running. It was always great to see him and that amazing smile. Thinking of you all!

Sue and I are so sorry for your family’s loss. I have lots of fun memories of the “old” days with Jay. He had unbelievable energy. From working on classic snowmobiles to family events he was always on the move. RIP Jay. It’s time to relax now and watch over your family from heavens gates.

Where to start...... We met Jay at the Morse Community Club. He was very inquisitive and interested in knowing where we lived and what we had in common. We soon learned that we were practically neighbors. We soon spent many weekends with family and friends. Jay was always the life of the party with many jokes or stories to tell regardless who was in the room...but that’s why everyone loved Jay! We will miss you Jay! Prayers for Sara, Myles, Molly, Moriah and Family! Dick & Connie

I was a neighbor to the Miller family in the 50’s and 60’s. I actually babysat them numerous times. Johnette and Doc Miller were very close friends of my parents and during this friendship the families had many many fun times. Camping, putting on plays in the Miller backyard with sheets hung over the clothes lines, Doc putting stitches in my knee while we were camping because I put the end of an axe to it. Jay was a young boy during those times but I have great memories of him. We moved away in ‘65. I’m sorry I didn’t get to know Jay as a grown man. But, as my memory holds the youth of Jay, I’m sad to hear of his passing.

I met Jay for the first time last year when he ask if I had graduated from EV. When I said, yes, we talked about school and the people we knew. I graduated with his sister, Jan. He was such a kind soul. My sympathy to his wife and children. Thinking of Jan and his siblings also. Prayers to each of you. Shirley Glider Knight

So many great memories of Jay and his humor.

He raised a great family. We are thinking of you all at this very hard time. Toast to Jay and his life, he will be missed.

There will never be another Jay. We will miss seeing him at Big Grove, and miss hearing his calls to the local radio station. He was a good man. So many memories. Jay will be missed by many. Rest In Peace, Jay!

Kayleen & Mike Gardner

Great memories with Jay through the years, Thoughts and prayers to his family.

Jay was, by any measure, the best salesman I ever hired! He was also the most fun! The time he spent “camped out” at my home in Minnesota was quite enjoyable. I will miss his humor, enthusiasm and kindness. Prayers.

RIP Jay, he hired me, was a great boss, mentor and friend. Cheer on the Hawkeyes from Heaven. Steve Noeller

From riding mini-bikes to crashing dirt road parties in a jeep (red lights & siren). Had a lot of good times through out the years with Jay. Our hearts go out to the family..RIP Jay..

Lon & Trish Banes

Soooooo many great memories with Jay. One was "Scoop'n the loop" in North English in Jay's orange and black T-Bird listening to a new Billy Joel 8-track tape he just bought, through one of his ever changing car stereo systems. His energy and wit endeared him to everyone who met him! This is truly a great loss! May his wonderful and humorous memories comfort his family and friends...you have our deepest sympathies...Love and prayers❣

Ron and Kendra Lown

Jay was a dear and wonderful friend. He was the first you'd invite to a party or ask for help if you needed it. He will be sorely missed but never forgotten and we will always treasure our memories of him.

Rest In Peace Jay.

With much love and affection,

Gregg and Angie Hartwig