I first met Jay when we worked in Jack Wolfe's group in Corporate Communications at Bell South in the 80s. He, Dave Standard, Tom Ridell, several others and me became instant friends. The guys took me under their wings and thought they needed to look after me because I was driving each day from South Carolina to Atlanta and back.  Jay impressed me because he was always so happy and upbeat.  He loved Helen and his children so very much. I remember when Sherri was going to the prom, he was so concerned about her dress.  He thought she needed to wear a sweater with her dress to cover her shoulders.  We tried to convenience him that girls don't wear a sweater with their prom dress, but Jay would have none of it. 
He was such a quiet happy soul and so very intelligent.  I have not seen him in several years but will always remember his quiet upbeat demeanor and positive smile.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Helen, and your entire family as you travel the road ahead without your loving Jay at your side.   
Beth McConnell

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jay for almost 4 years.

Jay was an incredible man with such a fun, spirited personality and an amazing sense of humor.

Even though Jay’s Alzheimer’s had progressed to a level when I started working with him, I could always tell what a man of character he was. You could just see it in his eyes that he was a very caring person,  who  took an interest in everyone around him. Let’s not forget his uncanny sense of humor as well. 

I always enjoyed my time spent with Jay.
He loved being active, so we always enjoyed time playing ping-pong together, and Jay would often give me the unexpected spike and then laugh.
We love listening to music while we played ping-pong and would laugh and laugh. 

When we walked around  his neighborhood, I would always tell Jay it’s a beautiful world God has made and he would always respond yes it is😊 occasionally, he would joke around and say I hope so and then we would laugh. 

I loved sitting with Jay in the living room or outside and painting pictures together on canvases or working on our brain puzzles together.  When  I first started working with Jay, he had words searches that he enjoyed doing, and we would sit for 30 minutes at a time trying to find those words.

One of our favorite things to do was to watch Jeopardy together. Jay loved that  show and I always knew he was a very intelligent man.

Another favorite was looking at family photo albums, especially of the grandchildren. Jay’s eyes would light up, and we would look at the same albums over and over, but he always had the same sweet expression. 
He loved his family and grandchildren so much.

Jay’s facial expressions are priceless. He always had a funny reaction or fun facial expression to respond in many situations. He definitely kept me laughing.
I feel honored that  I was able to spend so many years with Jay and was able to get an insight on his personality. 
I feel blessed to have known him. 
Heidi, Jay's caregiver - Comforting Arms

I was praying for you and the family that day , I’m so sorry I missed it - we had plans camping with the kids , but I know it was wonderful to celebrate what a wonderful man Jay was. I continue  to pray for you daily knowing this has been such a loss for you. I am just so thankful the Lord allowed me to be a part of your and Jays life. It changed my life and made me even more dedicated to caring for Alzheimer’s patients at end of life. Jay taught me so much.  

Susie B
Affinis Hospice

Helen, I was so surprised when I received your email concerning Jay’s passing. Although I had not been in touch with him for quite some time, I have nothing but great memories of our time together working at BellSouth.  One thing I remember was his sudden interest in bicycling.  It was a real passion of his for several years and he even participated in the BRAG (bicycle ride across Georgia) several times. Let’s just say that Jay was a large man in those days but he succeeded in reaching his dream.

I was unaware of his challenging health issues in recent years but I am confident he handled it in style .  God bless you Helen and may he richly pour out his grace and his blessings upon you and your family.

David Standard

Just a short remembrance:  Jay was great to work with – calm, helpful, thoughtful.   Outside of that, Jay loved his mustang convertible (most of the time).  We carpooled frequently downtown to the BellSouth headquarters and he was very good about coming to pick me up when it was his turn, even though I was further away.  Something the family might not know:  We sometimes had to pick up my kids from their day camp bus.  He would then drive thru the I-75/Windy hill tunnel with the top down and have the kids yell & scream – great fun for them and something they remember!  I truly appreciated his patience and kindness.

Dear Helen,
Deepest sympathy on the passing of your dear husband.  He had an amazing career and enjoyed your lovely family.  With Deepest sympathy, 
Julie Contrucci

Denny and I loved having Jay and Helen as our great GQMF neighbors for many years and we also loved our little theater group with them when we shared so many fun plays in Roswell !  They even took time to attend a play Denny was in at KSU….we had many delightful times together and have been so supportive of Helen’s absolute devotion to keeping Jay safe at home and then in assisted living.   We will miss him very much but will continue to love and support his dear wife Helen!
Our blessings to Helen, Tom and Sherri and their families💥💥❣️❣️Denny and Jay were also both alums of KU and only discovered that fact one particularly amazing basketball season. Rock Chalk JayHawks!!!!!

I didn’t know Jay before his illness but loved his smile and the glint in his eyes. He was quiet but one day, the community caregivers put on Elvis music, and Jay began dancing—swiveling his hips. It was the best dance ever! I regret not  getting a video to share with Helen.  Jay and Helen often took walks together holding hands. What a lovely and devoted couple. May Jay rest in peace.  May Helen and the family find peace in the memories.

I was so sorry to hear about Jay. I'm sure he will be missed. We always enjoyed listening to his stories.  Momma and daddy always enjoyed getting together with yall.  May God be with you and your family . Cheryl and Marvin

Our condolences to you, Tom, Sherri and their families.

We are in out house 52 years today.  I remember that you came over that day with Sherri and Tommy. You were the first people who befriended us and and  I have many wonderful memories of you and Jay from the years you lived next door to us.

In the words of the Jewish tradition: May his memory be a blessing.

Ellie & Bill

Helen, I am so sorry.  You and Jay were the perfect couple.  I am glad you did so many things together.  I recall being so impressed with your Bike Ride across Georgia adventures.  

Caroline Abbey

I am so sorry to hear of Jay's passing. I’ve thought of our old group many times over the years and wondered how everyone was doing. One of the most fun periods of my BellSouth career was the years I worked with Jay. Even after I retired, I enjoyed coming to Atlanta to have dinner with you and Jay, Irv, Dave Klater and Dave Standard. As time passed that got harder for all of us but I have very fond memories of those years of working together and continuing our friendships over dinners in Atlanta. 
 
From the obituary I realize that Jay must have died from complications of Alzheimer’s. I know that was awful for him and very hard for you too. I’ve had too many friends who have passed on from that disease or are currently suffering with it. 
 
Thank you so much for letting me know. I really appreciate you remembering me and my friendship with Jay. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. 
 
Best wishes as you adjust to life without Jay,
Jane Henderson

Auntie.
    The Couch family (Jr, Vicky, Tina, Leigh Ann, and Cat) are so full of memories, love, and emotions of Unk(Uncle Jay) and your family. We have spent many holidays together and spent countless hours laughing at all the crazy situations we have all gotten ourselves into and out of.  Unk was a big part of all of them. He liked to be first in line, he liked what he liked and didn’t settle for anything less. We knew it and loved him even more for it! . He and dad (Jr.)and Uncle Kenny were and will always be the leaders of our families and made/will make sure we were all taken care of at all times. The times at Mema’s house, the house in Marietta, Family Reunions in Fitzgerald, the lake house in Milledgeville, and even some years at the house in Kennesaw. The memories will be with us forever and Unk will continue to watch over his family (Teetom, Sharebear, Cathy, Will, The girls and especially you, Auntie! We love you and are always here for you!

Corporate Communications Alumni Picnic 2016

Corporate Communications Alumni Picnic 2016
What a great picture of Jay and Terry Sams!

Jay and I met in 1965 at Lockheed Georgia. We were in the same computer programming group. Jay, David Boozer, Arnall Roberts and I played cards almost every day during our lunch break. Each of us tried to out-do the others in telling tall tales. Arnall nicknamed Jay, “T.K.” , short for Toro King. The last time I saw Jay, he, Helen, Dave Patterson and I met for lunch. He will be missed and my heart is heavy for Helen and their family.

Dear Helen and family:

Although I only knew Jay during the last few years, I feel quite fortunate to have crossed paths with him.  His sweet pleasant smile and gentle nature was always comforting to those around him.  I especially loved seeing his eyes twinkle when he spotted Helen. My prayers are with you all and I look forward to celebrating Jay’s  life at the service. 

Sincerely,
Jody Pierce

Jay and I worked together back in the day at BellSouth and we were involved in creating a newly formed quality improvement group. A lot of hard work and even more good times. We remained friends for many years after we both retired from the company. Wishing Helen and the family my deepest sympathy for your loss of a terrific man.

Dave Klater

I am blessed in having known Jay and being able to work beside him in taking care of the native plants at the Jean and Elwood Wright Environmental Education Center. May God comfort the family as you lean on Him for strength during this time. Jay leaves sweet and precious memories in our hearts and minds.

OBITUARY

James "Jay" Thomas Boyle Jr.

April 24, 1940 – August 25, 2025

Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home and Memorial Park

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services