Dr. Jay M. Beck

Dr. Jay M. Beck was born May 23,1932, in Dallas, Texas, and passed away March 24, 2026, at the age of 93. He is preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Joan Roth Beck, sister Barbara Beck Gordon, and parents Fannie and Maurice Beck. He is survived by his three children: Michael Beck (Patrice), Gary Beck (Susie), and Pam Pluss (Steven); grandchildren: Joel Beck, Miles Beck (Mason), Chase Leggett, Molly Pluss (Aaron Bloch, Fiancé), and Henry Pluss (Hope Rovner); and great-grandchildren Julian and Benjaymin Leggett.

A lifelong Dallasite, he grew up on Park Row in South Dallas and attended Forest Avenue High School. There he was ROTC Colonel, tennis team member, and Sports Editor of the yearbook. His fondest memory while at Forest was teaching a senior math class for one week for Mrs. Emma Brown. Jay’s father, Maurice, was Scoutmaster for Troop 29 at Temple Emanu-El. Following in his footsteps, Jay earned the rank of Eagle Scout, was awarded the honor of "Order of the Arrow", and later enjoyed serving as an Assistant Scoutmaster.

After graduating FAHS in 1949, Jay attended Rice University before receiving his M.D. Degree in 1956 from Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. He served as an intern at the V.A. Hospital in Dallas. He conducted his OB-GYN Residency at Baylor Hospital from 1957-60. Jay entered the military in 1960 serving as an Assistant Chief of OB-GYN at the USAF Hospital in Orlando, Florida with the rank of Air Force Captain.

Returning to Texas, he was on the staff of Baylor University Medical Center and Presbyterian Medical Center. He taught at BUMC and at UTSW as Clinical Professor of OB-GYN. He was in private practice for 42 years and delivered over 6,300 babies in the Dallas area. Jay retired in March 2004.

He has been associated with: AMA, TMA, Dallas County Medical Society, American Fertility Society, Texas OB-GYN Society, American College of OB-GYN, and was a past President (1985) of the Southwestern Gynecologic Assembly. His many accomplishments include 1998 National Faculty Award for Excellence in Resident Education and listed in the 1999 edition of “Guide to Top Doctors” by the Center for the Study of Services and served as a Board Member of the FAHS Alumni Association.

Jay enjoyed snow skiing, cruises and woodworking in his shop making furniture for his children and grandchildren. He chose OB-GYN for his medical career because he said it was the part of medicine where patients were actually happy to see their doctor. He loved having a good time, laughing and telling jokes. He will be dearly missed by the many people he loved and who loved him.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in his memory to Temple Emanu-El Dallas at tedallas.org or Forest Forward at https://www.forestforward.org/

A Graveside Service will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Beit Olam Section, 7405 W Northwest Hwy, Dallas, TX 75225, US, on March 27, 2026, at 1:00 pm. A Memorial Service will be held at Temple Emanu-El, Stern Chapel, 8500 Hillcrest Rd, Dallas, TX 75225, US, on March 27, 2026, at 2:30 pm.