Richard F. Jay

1953 - 2015

Richard F. Jay obituary, 1953-2015

BORN

1953

DIED

2015

FUNERAL HOME

Chapel Lawn Funeral Home - Schererville/Crown Point

8178 Cline Avenue

Crown Point, Indiana

Richard Jay Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 26, 2015.

Richard Jay age 62 of Schererville, formerly of Hammond, passed away on Wednesday, December 23, 2015. He is survived by his daughters: Erin (Tom) Burns and Susan (Matt) Thompson; grandchildren: Jenna, Rex, and Nicholas; brothers, Stan (Judy) Jay and Johnny (Rachelle) Jay; sisters, Patricia (Rick) Owens and Barbara (David) Wilmoth; as well as brothers and sisters in law, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Neal and Virginia Jay, and his beloved wife, Mary.
For 38 years, Richard was an Industrial Arts and Physical Education teacher for the School City of Hammond, most of which were spent at Gavit Middle and High School. Throughout his career he passionately coached a range of sports for both boys and girls including tennis, wrestling, cross country, and track and field. He also kept stats for Indiana wrestling through his Mat Burns publication. Richard was a member of South Side Christian Church in Munster for many years, where he served as a deacon and played guitar in the praise band.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, December 30, 2015 from 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 8178 Cline Ave. Schererville, IN 46375. A funeral service will be held Thursday, December 31, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to Gavit High School Cross Country, Gavit High School Track and Field, Gavit Middle School Wrestling, or Gavit High School Wrestling. For more information or to sign our on-line guestbook, please visit: www.chapellawnfunerals.com.

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

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Not sure what to say?

December 29, 2016

Sue Felty (Ploense)

I just found out he past. I am saddened by knowing he is gone. He was a great teacher and mentor to me while I was at Gavit. Rest In Peace coach Jay

February 2, 2016

William Markovich

I taught with Mary at HHS and coached against Rich at Gavit. You will not find better people in this world. RIP both of you and the only consolation is that you are both together again in heaven. Dr. Bill Markovich

February 1, 2016

Lisa Graves-Spies

Jay was an outstanding teacher, coach, mentor and family man. A tribute to his personal family, as well as the best interest of his athletes and students.....all were family. I worked with Jay as a student, educator, and friend. Always supportive and encouraging, and never forgot a face, or was afraid to walk up and start a conversation. My condolences to his family, and I send my deepest sympathy to those who knew his infectious smile and laugh. RIP Coach, you made your legacy in the Hammond Schools, Wrestling and the running communities. Thank you for your hard work, and guidance.

January 14, 2016

Judyann Adams Terrell

I was a classmate with Richard at Franklin Jr High and Muncie Southside High School. Richard was a great athlete and knew he would follow his father footsteps in being a great coach. He will be truly missed by his family, students and a pillar to his community. I will always cherish the memories of him. My prayers go out to his family, his daughters and grandkids.

January 10, 2016

Such fond memories of Rich-he made a positive statement at Gavit; enjoyed having Erin and Tom in class, too. My deepest sympathies,
Laurel Krol

January 1, 2016

patty pfister

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

December 31, 2015

Ina Sue Kuhn

To Erin and Susan and family:
May your memories of your Dad and Mother
bring to you many good thoughts. May God
lift your hearts and comfort you in every way.

December 31, 2015

Jill (Begala) Cole

My prayers to Coach Jay's family. I ran track and XC for Highland and Coach Jay was always so supportive of not only me but ALL athletes. He has impacted my life in such a positive way. I feel blessed to have known him.

December 31, 2015

Mark Wilson

My deepest condolences to the Jay Family... I met Mr. Jay in the Fall of 1977 at Morton Middle, and had the pleasure of seeing him thru the years when I would come home to visit my family and would attend his home church of Southside. Whether cheering us on in our youth, or offering a kind word and slap on the back as a young, and then not so young adult, he always was smiling and had an infectious laugh. May God Bless his family in the days, weeks and months ahead.

December 31, 2015

Debbie Malloy

Coach Jay was a great guy! I attended Gavit class of 78 & then taught there from 83-86. His energy & positive attitude were infectious! Always laughing & so dedicated to the students & his job. RIP Rich

December 30, 2015

Rich Jay was a great family man, teacher and coach. A man who was respected and liked by all. My deepest sympathy to the Jay family.

Rich Willis - former Gavit teacher

December 30, 2015

My deepest condolences to the family of Coach Jay. It seems like just yesterday we were sitting in the gym talking about sports teams stats or what my plans were for the future. He touched the lives of so many and I can still hear his voice in my head telling me how proud he was of all I have done and will do in the future. The memories and impact this man had on so many will never be forgotten. Forever in our hearts and always on our minds.

December 30, 2015

Andy Jordan

My prayers are with your family. Coach Jay was a great inspirer and enthusiastic teacher that was so balanced, giving, caring...a lifter to those in our community, a man of faith and one whom God used to produce and mold responsible citizens. Needless to say I am so persinally thankful for all the hours he put into my life in wrestling and along with that, life's good character qualities. This great man will be missed. Praise God for coach Jay.

December 30, 2015

Bobby Lopez

My most heartfelt condolences to Mr.(Coach) Jay's family. He was a very positive influence in mine and a lot of others lives. He was a man of character and integrity who showed us (Morton Middle School alumi) how to be better people. Wherever and whenever I run (he was my coach) no matter where in the world I take his memory on the run with me.

December 30, 2015

Joyce E. Shorts Sprouse

To the Jay Family you have my deepest sympathy. Rich was a wonderful co-worker.

December 30, 2015

helenka zeman

My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr.Jay. I had the honor of having him as my shop teacher at Morton Middle School and can say he was a great teacher and an amazing person. He kept the class entertained with stories and made us feel like family because he genuinely cared about his students. He was dedicated, hard working, humorous, and very involved in his schools, track, cross country, wrestling...he will be always remembered, stories cherished, and has inspired many of us to be a better person and never give up...sending my love and prayers...he will always be with us...

December 30, 2015

Glen/KerryTim/Jim/Tony/Drego Beverly

My condolences to the family and friends of Coach Jay, Coach Jay was a true coach and friend as a little boy with my brothers i would often look in the stands of Woodmar boys little league and see coach Jay looking on with my Dad coach Jay taught myself and my brothers and friends growing up in Columbia Center to give it your all in what ever sport we pursued i remember coach Jay in his green station wagon picking up me and my friends and off to a wrestling tournament. Coach Jay will be truly missed but never forgotten.

December 30, 2015

Jessica Quintanilla

I don't even know what else I could say that hasn't been said already. There was no one like Mr. Jay and he left an incredible legacy.He coached my cross country team from 2007-2011 and I'm confident that I would not have stayed in the sport as long as I did if he wasn't there to cheer me on. I wish I could be home to say goodbye.

December 30, 2015

"I had the honor and privilege of knowing Rich for many years. Wonderful man. Dedicated Father, Educator and Coach. He had a positive influence on so many individuals that were part of his life. He will be truly missed ". My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Carey Pinkowski (Chicago, IL.).

December 30, 2015

Brandy Lang

My condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Jay. He left an impression on the lives of everyone he encountered and he was a good teacher. Sir, you made the world a better place and you will be missed.

December 30, 2015

Rudy Quintanilla

My deepest condolences to you Erin and Susan, I have fond memories of him coaching my daughters your dad was a fine man my thoughts and prayers are with you both. RIP Coach Jay.

December 30, 2015

Timothy Smith

I had Mr. Jay at Morton Middle School and he made a lasting impression on me as track and field coach.He was an exceptional teacher,coach and man! My heart and prayers go out to his family. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Timothy Smith MMS class of 1982

December 30, 2015

Tavia Wilson

REST IN PEACE, Coach Jay.

December 30, 2015

Michelle Florentine

Mr.jay was the best! No other coach/ teacher even compared to him, he will be truly missed! I still can't believe it we just talked not to long ago! Rest in heaven mr.jay!!

December 29, 2015

Michelle Carter-Steuart

He was a great teacher he will be missed RIP

Michelle Carter Steuart (Highland,IN)

December 29, 2015

Ricke Stucker

Richard was a fine man/coach! RIH.

December 29, 2015

Donna (Stricklin) Rzechula

My sincere sympathies for Mr. Jay's family and friends. I think of him almost every day as I still have and use the shadow box he helped me make at Morton Middle School, 30+ years ago. He also did a great job on my wedding pictures. RIP Mr. Jay. You will be forever in my heart.

December 29, 2015

Stacey Clark (Wayt)

Mr. Jay was one of the best teachers @ Gavit!!!! U will be missed!!!! RIP

December 29, 2015

Sheri Wilkes

Me. Jay will be missed by all who knew him. What a footprint he has left. Mr. Jay was an amazing teacher, coach, neighbor and family man. Thank you for always being in my corner. I'm going to miss you neighbor.

Many hugs and prayers for Erin and Susan.

Love you.

December 29, 2015

Samantha Thomas

My deepest condolences to the Jay family. I have many fond memories of Mr. Jay. He was a great teacher, coach and mentor. The many times I saw him over the last several years, he always remembered me and we would laugh at how many years it had been since I was a student. He touched many lives and will be missed. His family is in my thoughts and prayers.

December 29, 2015

Beverly Bodnar

To your family, my deepest sympathy,Mr. jay was a class act , a mentor, teacher, coach , and genuinely a good person . You will be missed thank you for ur passion and caring . My kids thrived under your care and instruction. Peace, love , and prayers ! we love you ! A Gavit Parent .

December 29, 2015

Coach Jay! You were a huge part of making Aid Station 08 great! You will be missed. Denise Casalino (Aid Station 08 Captain)

December 29, 2015

Billy Nelson

Coach Jay you will truly be missed. I remember having so much fun in his classes. I also wrestled under his coaching. He was an inspirational man. Peace be with you coach.

December 29, 2015

HAZEL Nieto

Wow can't not believe GOD called u home u was a sport teacher we ever have FLY HIGH LOVE ALWAYS THE NIETO FAMILY

December 29, 2015

brenda galinski

My condolences to your family,, Mr. Jay was a great teacher one of my favorites,always remember him being a very kind man and always had a smile on his face,,,

brenda kirk
former student morton middle school

December 29, 2015

Joseph De Vore

Coach Jay was a one in a million kind of person. He was an awesome mentor to me and so many others. His drive and love for wrestling was an example to all who wrestled for him.

December 29, 2015

Chris Zawadzki

Rest in peace Mr. Jay. Great wood shop teacher and my track coach at Morton Middle School in the late 70's.

December 29, 2015

Aaron Broyles

Coach jay went above and beyond for all of us. He will not be forgotten.

December 29, 2015

Marc C

He was a patient and kind man, even though I wasn't the best at following his directions. Always gave me a chance to prove myself. I still talk about him to this day... 35 years later.

December 29, 2015

Kelly Bardeson (Whitaker)

To the Jay family you are in my thoughts and prayers ! Mr Jay was a kind wonderful teacher for all of his students I know he thought me alot and I always looked up to him . He will miss but never forgotten!

December 29, 2015

Dennis Russell

What a Blessing from the Lord this man was. Coach Jay put so much time and energy into everyone he met. A true inspiration on how to live life. Let us all care on his work and live to love all. Bless you Coach!!

December 29, 2015

Rick Garcia

I remember him as one of my favorite teachers. My prayers and condolences

December 29, 2015

Alexis Roach

He was so understanding ...he will be missed greatly

December 28, 2015

Aulanah Bigham

I've known coach jay ever since I was in 6th grade at Gavit. He was my middle school gym teacher. He'd always have a smile on his face, and a wonderful disposition about himself. He was such a great person and coach. I remember when I was an 8th grader, he asked me if I wanted to join cross country because I was a great runner in his eyes. Once I became a sophomore in high school, I began running cross crountry and track. He was such a great coach to me and the team, and he was full of joy and laughter. He will be dearly missed by his loved ones, and especially the cross country/ track team.

December 28, 2015

Sarlea Family

We are so sorry to hear about the loss of this amazing man. He impacted everyone who knew him, and he had a huge heart. He was so passionate about everything he did, and he was a wonderful role model for all of us. Please be comforted in knowing that Heaven is a real place and it has gained a beautiful soul.

December 28, 2015

Justin Heavner

Couldn't ask for a better Coach and friend. To his family and friends he will be truly missed and never forgotten , was a Great man, and Coach.. my condolences

December 28, 2015

Sandy Heavner

R.I.P. Mr.Jay you were a great coach and teacher

December 28, 2015

Sandy Heavner

R.I.P. coach Jay you were a great coach and teacher

December 28, 2015

Melissa Pontow

I can't believe he's gone
One of amazing person I've meet And will be missed

December 28, 2015

Jayne (Ribble) Hopper

I was a high school classmate and friend of the family many years ago. Richard was such a nice guy, good friend and great athlete. Seeing the pictures brought back some great memories. Many thoughts and prayers to the Jay family.

December 28, 2015

JoAnn Wolski

My condolences to the Jay family. Mr. Jay was an awesome and caring coach. I'll never forget when I injured my knew, he drove me home and carried me in. He will be deeply missed.

December 28, 2015

Dawn Price

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of such a wonderful man. Even though, I didn't personally know him I had heard from many of the staff members and students what a awesome person he was at Gavit. His family and friends will be in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. God bless!

December 28, 2015

Lisa Ziemniak (Mihalic)

Prayers to your family. He was everyone's favorite teacher!

December 28, 2015

Ruby Denney

Richard was a great classmate. So sorry of your loss. RIP

December 28, 2015

Jon Roush

What a great guy !! He will be greatly missed. He put so much time into his MatBurns wrestling program at the State Finals every year. I really looked forward to see him there every year. RIP Richard !!

December 28, 2015

Rich and Vicki Weber

We couldn't have asked for better neighbors. Rich and Mary were meant to be together forever. Our sincere sympathies Susan and Erin. Boiler Up Rich Jay! We will miss you!!!

December 28, 2015

Larry Downhour

I was a classmate and teammate of Richard from Franklin Jr. High through our years together at Muncie Southside High School. The entire Jay family was like my own family. I ran track and cross-country with Richard under the guidance of his father Coach Jay. In September I went to see Richard and then visited Ludington State Park in Michigan where we used to train while in high school. Richard was a wonderfully dedicated family man and husband to his beloved wife Mary. My prayers go out to his family and especially his daughters.

December 28, 2015

Sue Bauer (Machuca)

I am saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Jay. He was our coach and teacher at Morton Middle School and was loved by all. Thank you so much for sharing all of the wonderful pictures of him and your family.

December 28, 2015

AJ Kalver

Richard devoted a huge amount of time and energy to promote wrestling state wide. It was always a highlight of state tournament weekend to see and talk with him. My sympathy to his family and all who knew and loved him.

December 28, 2015

Misty De La Cruz

My Condolences...always such a great teacher.

December 28, 2015

Charles Kallas

There are so many stories I have of Mr. Jay. The first time I ever met him was when I was in 7th grade in 2002. He asked if I knew someone with the same last name. When I told him that was my father he was like, "oh great, here we go again!" Since then he guided me to participate in Track and Cross Country. Even after High School he was a great mentor and friend. Last I spoke with him was back in Oct 2014. I went to visit him at Gavit and our conversations picked up as if we talked every day. He will be remembered, may his memory be eternal.

Posted by Charles Kallas

December 28, 2015

Rich Garduno

Hugs to his family, Erin and Susan. He was a great coach and teacher, and a great person. He felt like everyone's dad.

December 28, 2015

Teri Adler

My heart just breaks for all of you. Such wonderful people taken way too soon.

December 28, 2015

Dianne Gerling

Keeping Coach Jay's daughters and family in my daily thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. You girls have gone thru alot these past 6 months and now have two special Guardian Angels watching over you. Your Dad was a terrific coach, teacher and friend to many of his Gladiator students over the years. RIP Coach Jay.

December 28, 2015

Jim and Maggie Kessler

Erin, Susan, and the Jay family,
Our hearts and prayers go out to you at this time but we know your faith is strong and God is with you now. We know that he is now free to run again and be with his one true love, Mary. Rich was a true and great friend, someone who always had a smile on his face and love in his heart. We were so glad to see him in church that Sunday and able to talk with him, and get some pictures of us all. We will miss him greatly but will always see him in you.

December 28, 2015

Cheryl Beach

Rich was a good friend and will be greatly missed. We know he is with Our Lord and his beloved wife, Mary.

December 28, 2015

Roseann Castillo

Rip Mr.Jay. You were a wonderful coach.

December 28, 2015

Jerry Rouse

A great coach! A great teacher! A great colleague! Gone too soon!

December 28, 2015

Nancy (Peters) Evans

Erin & Susan, I am so sorry for your loss. Growing up around the block from the Jay family was so much fun. Your Dad was such a great teacher and coach. He used to call me "neighbor"! I would hear, "Hey Neighbor" all the time at school. He pushed me during track season. Him & my Dad would cheer me on and always give encouraging words. When I went back to teach at Gavit, your Dad welcomed me with open arms. My heart breaks for you girls. The world lost a great man and Heaven gained a wonderful Angel. I know he is up in Heaven with your Mom and my Dad talking about the good ole Hammond days. I'll keep you both in my prayers.

December 28, 2015

Michelle Lubotina

Coach Jay was my mentor and biggest supporter during my years running track at Gavit from 87-90. I will never forget accomplishing a goal he had set for me while running my last race of my senior year and when I crossed the finish line he was running across the field with his arms wide open and congratulated me with the biggest hug and compliments. He was a huge supporter of all kids who wanted to be better and productive. I will miss coach but I know he is in a better place and he will forever be in our memories. God Bless Coach Jay and his family.

December 28, 2015

Companion Care Diana Krist Gard

Our Deepest Sympathy on the loss of your father Mr Jay. What a wonderful kind man who will be truly missed by all who knew him.
Our thoughts and prayers and with you during this most difficult time.

December 28, 2015

Elizabeth Castillo-Rivera

I was saddened to hear of Mr. Jay's passing. He was an "Amazing Coach". I had the pleasure of meeting at Gavit when i ran Track/Cross Country 85-88. It was an Honor and a blessing to have known him. Thank You Mr. Jay for all your support that you provided to each person's life you touched and for being such an inspiration. Rest in Peace

December 27, 2015

Devin, Kevin and Dede Bates

Our thoughts and prayers to the family. He will be deeply missed and always remembered for his giving spirit and good heart. He was an awesome coach. Rest in Peace.
Love you Coach Jay.

December 27, 2015

Renee Schalkle

Rest in peace you were a great coach

December 27, 2015

Barb Wilmoth

Posted by Barb Wilmoth

December 27, 2015

Barb Wilmoth

Posted by Barb Wilmoth

December 27, 2015

Barb Wilmoth

Posted by Barb Wilmoth

December 27, 2015

Barb Wilmoth

Posted by Barb Wilmoth

December 27, 2015

Barb Wilmoth

Posted by Barb Wilmoth

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Funeral services provided by:

Chapel Lawn Funeral Home - Schererville/Crown Point

8178 Cline Avenue, Crown Point, IN 46307

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