John "Jay" Anthony Leniz

John ‘Jay’ Anthony Leniz, age 80, of Palmetto, Florida went home peacefully to the Lord in the presence of family on Sunday, April 12, 2026. Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, he was the son of Gonzalo and Isabelle Leniz, and the loving husband of 23 years to Julia Ann Leniz nee Amaya.

Jay and Julie married in 2002. They loved to travel and enjoyed doing everything together. Jay fiercely loved Julie and was always attentive to her. As a young man, Jay was a Marine and served in FMFLANT, Norfolk, Virginia. After his time as a Marine, Jay was proud to be a hard-working State Farm agent, serving in many positions, including management, before retiring.

Jay was well known as the kindest and most generous man, a friend to all with the ability to make anyone feel at ease. A joyful and positive man, he was always grateful for all that he had but took the most pride in his children. Jay’s smile was contagious and could light up a room. He delighted in teasing others and loved to laugh. Jay was proud of his Basque and Lebanese heritage. He often spoke of where his people originated and their long lineage. In his younger years, he was quite active and was known for his love of boxing. Jay was so dedicated to boxing, he was a two-time Golden Gloves of America winner in Alabama. A hunter, a golfer, and a boater, Jay enjoyed the outdoors as much as possible. He relished sitting by a bonfire and taking pleasure in nature. Even though he appreciated the outdoors, he was also fond of games, especially craps, a good steak, and indulging in his favorite Fox shows. He was savvy and happy to share his knowledge and wisdom, but was also a sincere listener. Above all, he loved God, his family, and his country. He was loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing him and will be greatly missed.

Left to cherish Jay’s memory are his wife Julia Ann Leniz, children: Traci and her husband Jim Schott, Miki D’Amico and her fiancé Joe Sass, Jay and his fiancé Megan Poole, Toni and her husband John More, and survived by his 9 grand children and 5 great grandchildren, two sisters, one brother, many cousins, nieces and nephews, and countless friends.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents, Gonzalo and Isabelle Leniz, His step mother Carmen, and his brother Joseph Leniz.

There will be a viewing at 5:00 P.M. on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Groover Funeral Home at Mansion Memorial Park, 1400 36th Avenue E, Ellenton, Florida 34222. Please join us at 7:00pm for our rosary prayer in honor of Jay during our evening visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, at 11:00 A.M on April 22 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, with Father Bernie Evanofski officiating. 505 26th St. W. Palmetto, Florida, 34221, Following the Mass, internment will be at 2:00 P.M. at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Rd 72, Sarasota, Florida. 34241.

Roll Tide!

To send the family a condolence, please visit

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/florida/ellenton/groover-funeral-home-at-mansion-memorial-park/4477?utm_source=google_my_business&utm_medium=organic

Jay loved and appreciated flowers and all are welcome to donate flowers. For additional donation, all are welcome to send tribute to the ALS organization https://www.als.org/