Lt. Col. Jeffery James Jay (Jeff), 62, of Waynesboro, Ga., passed away Saturday, August 23, 2014 surrounded by his family at the Augusta VA Medical Center.
Born December 21, 1951, in Honolulu, HI, he is the son of Robert Carey Jay (predeceased) and Mildred (Don-Lim) Jay-Sanders.
His siblings include brothers, Brad Jay (predeceased), Graylin Jay (Joy), and sister, Iwalani Jay Foster (Carroll). His two children are son, Matthew Jay (Sarah) with granddaughter, Sadie Jay, and daughter, Leilani Margaret Mikula (George) with grandchildren Henry & Rebecca Mikula.
Jeff was student body President, Aiken High School ’70 and a ’74 graduate of The Citadel and member of the Junior Sword Drill. He served his country in the US Air Force active and reserve and also held a Master’s Degree in Management & Human Relations.
A godly man, he was baptized at Woodlawn Baptist Church.
Jeff probably owns the longest professional profile in LinkedIn history. Browsing through his 40+ years of achievements, memberships, certifications and other contributions to people and organizations, you’ll find it surprising (or maybe not) that this energetic, passionate 62 year old visionary still saw himself with a 20 year plan – just on the cusp on the next series of breakthroughs.
He embodied a quote from French author, Andre Gide, “Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.”
Jeff was a man of courage, optimism and inspiration whose light was infectious and wide-spread, nationally and inter-nationally.
Jeff truly cared about and engaged people – young or old, whether it was with those he worked with regularly, or whether it was his first time meeting them. He saw the great potential in the creativity, energy, and fresh perspective of young adults; he made it a point to regularly engage these individuals to help develop their careers. It is believed that this is what kept him so young.
Jeff loved life and always enjoyed new experiences – whether that came in the form of his first shot of Goldschlager one New Years, outwitting you in a game of poker, or keeping things so fresh and so clean with his fashionable wardrobe. Jeff brought smiles and laughter to many. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. The light he brought to this world will now be carried on by those he inspired and loved.
A celebration of his life will commence at 10:30 AM Saturday, September 6, 2014 at Rose Hill Estate, 221 Greenville St. NW, Aiken, SC. Reception to follow.
As a true tribute to Jeff’s vibrant life and Hawaiian heritage, the attire will be Aloha or casual wear.
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