Jay Eric Fickes

Jay Eric Fickes passed away on March 21, 2025 at the age of 71 in San Luis Obispo after a long battle with cancer. His memory lives on through his wife Kerri Davis, his daughter Denae Fickes, his twin sister Julie Buickerood, his older brother Scott Fickes, 3 nieces and 1 nephew, and 2 grand nieces.

Jay and his sister Julie were born in Pasadena, California on May 19, 1953. Along with father Jim, mother Mary, and brother Scott, the family lived in Monrovia, California. Growing up, they enjoyed living in close proximity to the Southern California beaches and traveling to Pennsylvania to visit extended family every summer. Jay graduated from Monrovia High School and then, along with his parents, moved up to See Canyon and attended Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo. Jay met Kerri scuba diving in 1988 and they married in 1991. They enjoyed many travels and adventures together: Backpacking 9 days in Mineral King, Malta & Spain and a trip to England, Wales & Scotland while pregnant with their daughter Denae. After her birth, the three continued on many more world travels together.

Jay was a jack-of-all-trades, capable of fixing just about anything. He put those skills to work as a carpenter and rental manager until his death. He loved living in See Canyon, growing fruit trees of all varieties, and observing the plants and animals that also inhabited the place. Jay never tired of telling stories about all the critters and their antics. He also enjoyed being able to share the fruit that he grew with family, friends, and acquaintances.

Jay was particularly proud of his daughter Denae and her accomplishments throughout the years, for example, her graduation from UCSC. There is no set date for a memorial at this time but the family hopes to have one in the next few months. Details will be forthcoming.