A few more memories I’d like to share…

The way we would scarf down food at Golden Corral, and how we were supposed to go to chukchansi one day… we never made it together but Ana and I will go in your honor someday ❤️. 

The way you only ever ate the most basic American foods, and disliked most other cuisines. And the way simple things like burgers or omelettes made you happy.

The way you wouldn’t hug me the first few times we met but the. you warmed up and started giving me hugs. But I liked that it showed we became closer over time.

The way you opened up about yourself and your heart because you knew that being vulnerable is important in life. I am grateful you trusted me enough to share your secrets and loves in life.

The way you were so unabashedly honest and yet respectful at the same time.

The way you’d call me up randomly and we’d drive to Modesto to pick up something from Best Buy or the apple store.

The way you’d kill it at DDR and that little towel you’d bring because you know it a workout when you’re that good.

The way you talked about your momma, how much you loved and respected her. How it was the two of you against the world, and how you wanted to take care of her forever. How you always made sure things at home were good with her before you left. How you would text her to let her know what you were up to so she’d feel safe about you. It was a very beautiful thing. 

The way you loved and cherished your girl Lupe, even though I never got to meet her. I remember how much you would glow when you mentioned her. And that story of how you got together is just about the cutest thing ever.

The way my cats loved you, especially baby Rey. I remember she just laid in your arms when she wasn’t feeling well that one time because she trusted you.

The way we could not talk for months but talk again like no time has passed.

The way you were there for the people you loved.

Thank you, Jay, for all the memories and more.


Hey Jay,

After I heard the news, I spent 4 months trying to look for the place you drove us to one time. It was a late night driving adventure, blasting music from your sick new sound system. We set out, for a little under an hour with, to a beautiful viewpoint outside of town. It’s funny, one of my favorite things in the world is looking out to vastness from a high point and gaze at the stars. We could see the whole Central Valley, and I didn’t even realize at the time how much I loved that place. I guess I took that moment for granted, expecting I could just come back with you anytime.

After it got a little cold and we headed back, I remember you turned into all sorts of new roads you’d never been to before to find your way home. You didn’t use a GPS, you just trusted yourself to find your way back. And you did. I loved that about you. The wonderful sense of adventure. How you only ever drove the back roads because they contained the real beauty of the valley. 

And so, month after month, I set out looking for that spot. I asked around, ‘where’s a good view point to look over the whole valley?’ I would ask other people who grew up here their whole lives, claimed to explore everywhere and they didn’t know. Not like you, Jay, who spent all his time deeply learning this valley. 

One day, I went camping and I talked to this young ranger. He told me, ‘just outside this campsite, there’s a road called Coronado drive. If you go up it, you’ll see a beautiful view. Some people call it the eagles nest and some people call it god’s eye. There’s many names. You should check it out.’ 

I had a really good feeling. Mind you, I had driven right past that road many times in search of that beautiful spot. I thanked the young ranger and set off. I pulled up the road and past this final and hill, and it hit me. ‘Yes, this is it. This is the place I was looking for. The place with Jay.’ Thank you for showing me the valley, Jay. We will always remember you.



Jay, I'll never forget your kind heart and soul; but most of all your ability to make anyone smile within a matter of seconds. You were always there for me when I needed someone to talk to and for that I'm grateful. You've made such a great impact not only in my life but many others as well. I'm lucky that you came into my life and the adventures that we share I'll treasure forever. My prayers and thoughts go out to Jay's family for comfort. I hope you're having fun in Valhalla and I'll see you soon my guy. Love always Tiffany. 



Your mom raised a fine young man. Your loss is still not real to me. Even though I don't know how to take this outside of my tears I'll see you when I see you ❤️.


I worked with Jay the 2 years he worked as a student assistant in Admissions and Records. He was a hard worker and was super helpful to both students and staff. He was one of the best student assistants I have have over the past 20 years. Education was so important to him. He definitely wanted to go on with his education.  I will treasure the conversations we had had over the years.  
 He also took care of his mother and I really respected him for that. So blessed to know him and to be his friend and co worker. Love you Jay you were One in  Trillion :)  Definitely gone to soon but what a huge impact you have made in the years while on this earth.

Sixtoe was a guitar student of mine early in my career as a professor. He was always in-class, always participating and showing progress. I would see him around campus throughout the years and we would chat for a few minutes. He was always kind and respectful to me. He always asked after my children, which I loved! He was a big young man, but had a gentleness about him. He had a light.

I simply cannot believe this has happened. We need more people like him in the world.

My sincere condolences go out to his family during this sad time. Please be comforted that, though I only knew him for a short time, he touched my life and always brightened my day a little, which I will always remember.

Jay was a former student of mine, and I so enjoyed the times he came by my office for a visit.  I liked him very much; he will be missed.

Jay was a regular patron at our library, so committed and dedicated to education.  His passing leaves such a void in the campus community. 

Jay you were such a light. Whenever I hadn’t seen you in awhile and would run into you my first thought was always “ahh I love Jay, how are you?” That’s not my first initial thought with most people lol but it was with you because that’s just the awesome, kind soul you were. Lol I can still hear your laugh haha. You were one of my favorite friends in welding and I’m so happy I met you. I’m in such disbelief of your passing and wish it wasn’t true. You were always helping people out, I literally emailed you not that long ago and you were helping me. You were such a great friend and person. I’m so grateful to have known you and wish you were still here. I’ll be praying for peace and comfort for your family. I hope you’re having fun in heaven my friend, I’ll see you again one day. Love your friend Trinity 

Jay, you were like another brother to me. You were always there for me when I needed you, always had a smile and an open heart. You became friends with everyone who crossed paths with you, you were careless and strong. I’ll cherish those moments of watching you play DDR and driving around, I had the pleasure of watching you grow into such an amazing man. Thanks for being a best friend. I love you.

So sad to hear about the passing of Jay. He was very kind and always had a smile on his face. He will be deeply missed. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family. 

OBITUARY

Jay Clark-Walker

June 30, 1996 – December 6, 2020

Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home

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