Mr. Jay H Ross

Jay Ross, 79, of Apache Junction, Arizona, passed away on August 19, 2026.

Jay is survived by his two sons, Chuck (Andrea) Fornicola and Bob (Carol) Fornicola; his two siblings, Carol Gustaveson and Jeff (Traci) Ross; and his grandchildren, Jay, Garrett, Nino, Sophie, and Giulianna, all of whom brought him immense joy.

Jay, affectionately known as JR, was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary Ross; his parents, Don and Eileen Ross; his brother, Pat Ross, and his grand child, Hunter Fornicola.

Jay was raised in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, where the outgoing personality that would define him throughout his life was evident from an early age. Whether surrounded by his many buddies as a Boy Scout, his friends from the various sports he participated in, or simply at any social gathering, Jay had a way of becoming the center of attention with his quick wit, humor, and unmistakable personality. He graduated from Menomonee Falls High School in 1965.

After high school, Jay explored a variety of activities and jobs before settling into a long career in automobile sales. It was through selling cars that Jay met the love of his life, Mary, in 1974—he sold her a used car! Jay and Mary were married in December 1975.

Jay and Mary were truly a dynamic duo. They did nearly everything together. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, they co-managed several apartment complexes in various locations throughout the Milwaukee area. They also opened a bar together in West Allis and served as Board members for Northwest Little League. Jay eventually became President of Northwest Little League, and he often said that one of his proudest accomplishments in that role was seeing the Northwest Little League Senior League All-Star team make it to the World Series in 1982 under his tenure.

Tragically, Mary passed away in 1986, leaving Jay devastated. But true to his resilient nature, Jay moved forward, eventually leaving car sales behind and opening JR’s Resort on Phantom Lake in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, in 1987. The resort was a perfect fit for Jay’s outgoing personality, entrepreneurial spirit, and DIY skillset. During his years at JR’s, he became President of the Tavern League of Wisconsin’s Southeast Region and made many more lifelong friends, including Connie Nedved.

Jay sold JR’s Resort and moved to his home in Apache Junction, Arizona, in 2009. Connie joined him there a year later.

Following Connie’s passing, Jay was fortunate to have the friendship and compassionate care of Tina Dutko, who helped him navigate life with his disabilities. Tina was not only Jay’s caregiver and helper, but also a true friend who remained by his side until his passing. Jay and his family will always be grateful for her kindness and devotion.

Jay… JR… Pop will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His quick wit, his humor, his larger-than-life personality, and, most importantly, his love will live on forever in the hearts of his family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 10, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. CST at Wisconsin Memorial Park, 13235 W. Capitol Drive, Brookfield, WI. A funeral service will follow at the same location at 2:30 p.m. CST. Interment will immediately follow, where Jay will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Mary.