Jay Jesse Pease Jr.

Jay J. Pease, Jr., of Chatham, 89, died peacefully on June 10, 2015 with his family close by. His passing follows that of his wife, Delia, with whom he was married for 64 years. Jay was born on August 30, 1925 in Battle Creek, Michigan to Rev. Jay J. Pease and Margaret Spyke, raised the son of a Baptist pastor in Jackson, Michigan, where he also received his primary education. After his mother’s untimely death when Jay was twelve years old his father remarried Ruth, with whom he shared the rest of his life.

Jay began his college studies at Michigan State University before entering the US Army to fight in WW II, where he served in the 75th Infantry Division’s 289th Regiment. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge receiving a Purple Heart award. After his discharge, Jay returned to college graduating with a B.A. from the University of Michigan in 1950 and a M.A. from the University of Texas in 1951. He met Delia while at Michigan State and got married immediately after graduating from the University of Michigan. Together, they raised five children while living in Packanack Lake, NJ, Farmington Hills, MI and West Dennis, MA. Their permanent retirement took place in Pompano Beach, FL where they lived for 30 years. Four years ago, Delia and Jay returned to the Cape, settling in Chatham near their children.

For 30 years, Jay worked at General Motors’ Overseas Division and in other departments following Overseas’ assimilation into other branches. While working for GM, half his time was spent working in New York City and half in Detroit. While living in New Jersey he was active in youth athletic leagues and the Packanack Lake community. He was passionate about sports and college football in particular for the entirety of his life. Without question, the Michigan Wolverines were his clear favorite. He was a long-time member of the West Dennis Yacht Club. His hobbies included geography, history, landscaping and electronics. His passion and love for his family was reflected in his contagious smile that had the ability to illuminate a room.

He is survived by his five children Jay III (Eileen McMahon) of Port Austin, MI, Michael Pease of Chatham, MA, Captain John B. Pease (Catherine Moye) also of Chatham, Cynthia Roe of Greenport, NY, Mary R. Taaffe (James) of Nantucket, MA, twelve grandchildren as well as eleven great-grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by his nieces: Nancy Kay Gilbertson, Margaret (Stowell) Wheeler, Reverend Dr. Joseph Stowell III and Hannah (Stowell) Jensen . Jay J. Pease, Jr. is now reunited with his wife, parents and sisters: Corabelle and Mae.

There will be a private family memorial celebration of his life at a later date.