Jason "Jay" Newell Bishop

Jay Bishop was a beloved father, grandfather, husband and friend. He is remembered by his daughters Rachel and Sarah, his grandsons Escher and Zeno, his brother John, and his girlfriend Joanie. His passions were singing, hiking, and participating in the community at University House Wallingford.

Jay was born in New York City in 1942. He had fond memories of sledding in Central Park and playing with model trains. His family moved to Scarsdale, New York in the 1950s, and Jay developed an affinity for physics in high school. He went on to get his P.h.D in experimental nuclear physics at the University of Pennsylvania. He met Elaine at the university outing club, and they married in 1969. Jay and Elaine had two daughters, Rachel and Sarah. In 1987 the family moved to Bellevue when Jay got a job at Boeing. Jay loved Washington state and he and his family went on many fun hikes and camping trips exploring the area. An avid singer, Jay sang in choirs all of his life and spent 20 years singing with the Seattle Symphony Chorale.

Tragically, in 2011 Elaine passed away after 42 years of marriage. Following Elaine’s passing, Jay became involved in the Healing Center and got support moving forward into the next phase of his life. A few years later, Jay traveled twice to Taiwan for the birth of his grandsons Escher and Zeno. In 2021 he moved to University House, joined the University House choir and met his girlfriend Joanie. He was very happy in the University House community, and the last years of his life were full of joy.

Jay will be remembered for his friendliness, rich singing voice, ability to look on the bright side of life, and his kindness to all.

In lieu of flowers, we encourage donations to the Save the Music Foundation or Seattle Symphony in honor of Jay’s love of music.