John Davidson Jay

John Davidson Jay, “JJ,” age (74), of Columbus, Ohio passed away peacefully on April 14, 2023, in the comfort of his family home. He was born October 26, 1948, in Indianapolis, IN and is preceded in death by parents John Jay and Joanna Millholland Jay. 

Survived by one Daughter Laura Jay Ulery (Spouse, Michael J Ulery) from first marriage, Helen Smeltzer in Columbus, Ohio. Further survived by Siblings, J Christopher Jay, and Sister Jean Jay Perry. Grandchildren: Serenity, Skyler, Alexander, and Helena Ulery and two great grandchildren, Trent B Pierce, and Cloud F Kuehner. He is also survived by his beloved Great Aunt Polly, Cousin Cheryl, Frank and wife Jean Parmir, David Belser  (Fred, David, Jerry); Toni, Frank, Albert (Davies) Parmir. Nephews and nieces, Emily and Katherine, Chloe Hill, Tess Goertemiller, and Jaffe Wilde.

MR Jay GRADUATED FROM South HIGH SCHOOL Class of 1967 in Columbus, OH. And later with his BA of Arts from the Ohio State University in 2003, where he later managed and taught at the Wexner Center for the Arts for many years.

HE enlisted/served as a Sergeant tank mechanic in the United States Marine corps from 1967-1970 at Camp Lejeune and received an honorable discharge.

In 1987, john married second wife, Linda Kelly who he happily spent 25 years alongside until 2015.

John primarily worked through the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists, and Allied Crafts of the United States. Through IATSE local 12 stagehand, local 209, and Local 1 in New York City. Later he also worked as a pyrotechnician at multitudes of sites worldwide. Mr. Jay’s work as an effects artist is credited in films such as, the Avenger’s Winter Soldier and Spiderman, and many more as listed in the IMBD database.

A Memorial for John Jay is scheduled from 5-7 PM on Monday, May 1^st, 2023, at The Great Southern Theatre, 21 E Main St, Columbus, OH 43215.