Jay grew up during the depression in lowa farm country riding horses bareback and contributing to the family income by raising and selling ducks.
He was a great pool player but when he wasn't working or playing pool, Jay was at the local roller rink with the thought of becoming a roller skating professional. But then his uncle who was in law enforcement conducted a distillery raid - and dramatically changed Jay's life. He decided he wanted a law enforcement career and focused on becoming an Agent with the FBI. He wrote J. Edgar Hoover explaining his ambitions and why he wanted to be an Agent. Hoover wrote back and since Jay didn't have the requisite education requirements, gave him a direct appointment to the Bureau. Jay finished his education at George Washington University while working for the Bureau eventually becoming a fingerprint expert. He also taught Judo to the other Agents and ran a football pool until Hoover shut it down. He had the most wonderful stories about his time in DC when it was an exciting time to be there. The Agency held his job open while he served our country in the 101st Airborne before being stationed in Germany.
In the 60s he moved to NH to be with family where he and his business partners built a major home building company - developing residential communities, apartment complexes, commercial high rises as well as starting a hotel chain.
In the mid seventies, Jay and his wife Paula, moved to AZ and he semi-retired after building 2 condominium projects, a few custom homes and starting a cable company.
He loved classic cars - owning many, and for years drove an Excalibur (replica of a 1923 Mercedes). He and Paula took many road trips - spending a lot of time exploring the country.
This witty wonderful man was known for his generosity and incredible sense of humor. He knew how to celebrate life and was very good at it. Jay was a life member of the Elks. He volunteered with Big Brothers and was always counted on to mentor the 'hard' ones. He also was an avid coin collector and loved upgrading his collection by culling from bags lugged home from PT's local banks.
As ocean lovers, Jay and Paula's move to sweet Port Townsend was the best decision. The friends made here forever friends. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Paula, his beloved granddaughter, Aria Turney, and nephew Les Britton and his wife Petra. A private celebration of Jay's life and his legacy will be scheduled at a later date.
