1SG (Ret) John A. Jay, 84, passed away July 2, 2021, at Piedmont Columbus Regional Northside Hospital in Columbus, GA.
Private services will be held Wednesday July 7, 2021, at Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery with full military honors according to Vance Brooks Funeral Home, 4048 Macon Road Columbus, GA.
Mr. Jay was born July 4, 1936 in Lithuania, son of the late Vincent and Marija Jurkevicius. He served his country honorably in the U.S. Army with over 24 years of military service. Mr. Jay served in South Korea where he met his wife and was stationed in France and Vietnam. During his distinguished military career, he received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 bronze service stars, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation Badge with Palm, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Meritorious Service Medal with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal (5th Award), Army Commendation Medal with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Overseas Service Ribbon.
Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Yong M. Jay of Columbus, son Joseph A. Jay and wife Heather of Columbus, daughter, Jennifer M. Dellinger of Columbus, sisters, Marta Sema of New Lenox, IL, Gerda Stropus of Tinley Park, IL, Ann Beitner and husband Otto of Richmond, IL, brother, Jouzas Jurkevicius and wife Onute of Kaunas, Lithuania, Stasys Jurkevicius and wife Marijona of Alytus, Lithuania, grandchildren, Kaitlyn Jay and Kylie Dellinger, Numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, and nephews.