Jay was a great sailor and an even better man. When I first met him we were both sailors, the A-Ganger and the Hul Tech, at that time I out ranked him but it didn’t last long as he quickly moved up the ranks. He was admired and respected by the many sailors who served with him and under him. Jay was very proud of serving his country and had been out to sea most of his 23 year career. Sadly, he passed away while preparing to go out to sea yet again on the USS Alabama.  Jay loved his family very much and was looking forward to his upcoming retirement and being able to spend more time with his family and friends. He was a kind, generous man with a big heart and a warm smile and exhibited those traits every day. His was the definition of a life well-lived! He touched many people’s lives and is greatly missed.–Lisa Brettin, Gold Star Spouse