I met Jay after he married Jane and began attending the Lam[lighter's Sunday School Class.  After a few months of him getting to know others in the class, he started sharing in the discussions.  He always added an insight that added to the discussion.  He came to class with a smile on his face and a sweet Christian spirit.  When we went out to lunch as a class, he often would treat everyone.  His comments, his sense of humor, and just his sweet presence in the class will be missed so much.

Jay was truly one of a kind. He will be missed by many, but what wonderful memories we all have.
Jane, may peace be with you in this trying time.

Dear California McIlraths,

The Mississippi McIlraths are so sad for you and are standing beside each one of you hoping to give you strength and comfort during this most difficult time.  We have so many wonderful memories of Uncle Jay and will miss his sweet spirit and his McIlrath sense of humor.  We know that you are sad and feeling the loss he has left on this Earth, but we also know that he is with the Lord and with Aunt Mary, Robert, and Sherrie!  What a reunion that must have been!  We love you all!

Jay was one of the best employers that I've had the pleasure to work for. He was one of the nicest people you'd ever meet and had a way of making you feel like family. I will miss my pal deeply.

I will always remember Jays smile, his kind, soft spoken voice and his sense of humor. He always made me feel like one of the family, and I will cherish every memory, from family get togethers, Santa Cruz, to the Columbus Day Golf tournaments. I know that he was so very proud of each one of his grandchildren and great grandchildren, he beamed in their presence. He was a man who carried himself with such dignity, a truly loving, caring, kind man. I know I will miss him very much. Dan, Melissa, Cheryl, Steve, Lori, and the entire family, I'm so sorry for your loss. My heart is sad, but I know that he is in a better place, and no longer suffering. May happy memories comfort you at this time. I love you all.

The McIlrath family members are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. May your loved one rest in peace.

Tomorrow we will say goodbye to an absolute wonderful man.  The lives he has touched can't be totaled up, from work to friends to family...Jay was always so soft spoken but yet he would touch everyone around him.  This is a very close knit family that was started with Jay, and you can tell that he had such an impact on everyone he came in contact with.  I can say without a doubt that he was one of the finest people that I have ever met, and he is going to be so dearly missed.  He is sitting with Mary now right next to his Lord and Savior where the two will remain for all eternity.  RIP Jay, you were by far and exceptional person!

I have been blessed by Jay my entire life. I'm not sure that there are enough words, laughs, or tears to describe what he has meant to me. I am thankful that I was able to enjoy so much time with him. I am thankful that God kept him around for so long and I am sure that he was greeted with, "Well done, my good a faithful servant" but that doesn't mean I won't miss him. I will always cherish my memories of Jay and Mary.

Jay was one of my favorite and first customer when I started in Banking. He was always so nice to us at the bank. Always came in smiling and left laughing. One of my favorite memories with him was of Jay handing me a scratcher ticket. He did it every time he came in. This day though, I scratched and won a ticket! He said to give it to him and he'd give me another. So I did. I scratched the new one and I won another ticket. On the third trek back to hand me a new scratcher he said "ok enough. I don't want to walk back again"....I lost but it was fun winning those tickets. I send my prayers and condolences to Jay and his family.

Jay is now with his beloved Mary.  He will be missed.

Jay was an integral member of the Lamplighter Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church.  He was truly a man of faith, and always had thoughtful, reflective, and insightful comments that honored God's word, yet were relevant to the challenges that Christians face today.  He was a loving husband to his wife, Jane. They shared many beautiful memories together.  His warm smile, and ever-present handshake will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

God Bless Jay and his family, Jay was a member of the Kiwanis club at time when I was just starting my business he was always helpful and ready to help played lots of Golf with Jay, So Sorry my friend, R.I.P.

Tony Bryson

OBITUARY

Jay C. McIlrath

February 12, 1934 – January 18, 2016

DeYoung Shoreline Chapel

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