It is with heavy hearts, full of love and admiration, that we announce the passing of Jay Robert Young, 64, beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend who passed away surrounded by family on July 24, 2025. He was the strongest, most giving person you will ever know.
Jay was a Master Technician and Mentor, dedicating almost 32 years of his life to Checkered Flag – an understatement given that he could fix anything you threw his way. Even chemo and radiation treatments could not slow him down; he would just roll up his sleeves and get back to work with persistence and passion.
A bona fide tinkerer, Jay did not just build things; he created legendary tales with wood, surfboards, and his trusty toolbox. “Mi Tiki,” his beloved tiki bar with surfboard tables, was not just a structure, it was a testament to his creativity. And those sea turtles and bottles of bourbon? Let’s say Jay knew how to appreciate life.
Blessed with a green thumb, Jay’s landscapes would make any luau a scene from paradise. Known as “The Mayor” and “The Godfather,” with his wit, he left everyone laughing and inspired.
A proud alumnus of Keene High School class of ’79 followed by vocational training in Nashua, New Hampshire, Jay was not only Mr. Fix-It but Mr. Kindness, living steadfastly by the golden rule. We are eternally grateful for Jay’s presence, which made everyone feel welcomed.
Preceded in death by brother Scott, father-in-law Beau, and daughter Cara Rose, Jay’s legacy thrives through Michelle, his loving wife of almost 39 years; cherished children Caitlin (Andrew), Jay Tyler, and Chris; adoring parents Alan and Nancy; brother Mark; mother-in-law Patricia; sisters-in-law Lori (Ken), Dawn (Gerry); many loving nephews and a niece, and a community that felt like family thanks to his larger-than-life heart.
May Jay Robert Young live forever in endless summers, sea turtle swims, and tiki bar cheers.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Medi Home Health & Hospice, Chesapeake, Virginia or The American Cancer Society.
The family wants to thank all the staff at Sentara Princess Anne Hospital, Jay’s many doctors and nurses, and Hospice nurses Eve, Erin, and Kira who gave amazing love and support to Jay and our family.
