Jake "Jay" Allen Lewis Jr.

Jake “Jay” Allen Lewis, 40, of New Bern, passed away on April 1st, 2020. Jay was born to Jake and Debra Lewis on November 5th, 1979. He was a beloved son, brother, father, and friend to all who knew him.

Jay was a graduate of New Bern High School, class of 1998, and East Carolina University, class of 2003. Jay proudly served in the United States Navy as an aeronautical mechanical engineer, attaining the rank of Petty Officer First Class prior to his retirement from the service. Jay was a devoted father, and he was happiest when he was with his children. Jay enjoyed wrestling in high school, where he made many lifelong friends in the sport, and he shared this passion with his two sons. He also loved to spend one-on-one time with his daughter, whether it was volunteering together at Tryon Palace, working on the car together, or just staying up late watching movies. Jay loved his children deeply, and they were his greatest joys. He could always make us laugh and loved music, especially the band “Widespread Panic.” He was also a grill master and made the best breakfast omelets. Jay enjoyed all outdoor activities, and working with his hands. He was very inventive and could make something out of just about anything. Jay was known for his beautiful, yet sometimes mischievous, smile and will be remembered for always striving to make those around him happy.

Jay is lovingly survived by his children, Matilyn, Bryce, and River Lewis; his parents, Jake and Debra Lewis; his sister, Carrie Mills (Brandon); nephews and niece, Peyton, Parker, and Reagan; his brother, Daniel Lewis; his girlfriend, Janet Musharbash, and her two children, Joseph Martinez and Angelina Martinez; as well as a host of cousins, extended family members, military brothers, and friends.

For those who wish to view and pay their respects to Jay, you may visit Cotten Funeral Home on Saturday, April 4th between the hours of 12 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Due to the current social distancing guidelines, the service will be private. However friends are invited to watch the service via livestream through the Cotten Funeral Home Facebook page at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 5th.

Friends are also invited to share condolences with the family online on this tribute page. Those messages will be attached to balloons and displayed at the service so the family knows that they are loved and cared about even though social distancing prevents friends from being present at the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in Jay’s name to Union Point Church, 2912 Trent Road, New Bern, NC 28562.

“Always pray to have eyes that see the best in people, a heart that forgives the worst, a mind that forgets the bad, and a soul that never loses faith.”

“Teach us to realize the brevity of life so that we may grow in wisdom.” - Psalm 90:12 (NLT)