Jay was funny and known to make people laugh. He was adventurous and also liked too just chill. Jiu-Jitsu, fishing, cooking, swimming, diving, time with his kids, and his Washington Commanders were just a few of the things he was passionate about. He was known for his willingness to help others, and many times put everyone else's needs before his own. A loyal family man, respected, hardworking, determined, and dedicated member of society. He touched many lives.

He took what he did seriously and the importance of work ethic, being a role model and professionalism is something none of his people will forget. Jay was dedicated with a don't quit and keep pushing forward attitude! 

During his years of service with the Navy, he received many medals, honors, and recognitions. Good Conduct Medals, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy "E" Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy Expert Pistol Shot Medal, Navy Expert Rifleman Medal just to name a few. Jay also received letters of appreciation for being a swimming and survival instructor and system coordinator plus many others. 

Jay, a hero, will never be forgotten. His legacy is everlasting. He is loved by so many and always will be! 

For the last couple of weeks, I have been going through photos and old video footage. I asked my Dad why did they record everything, good and bad.

My Dad said, because it was real life. I am so thankful now for those clips.

I was reminded of how soft spoken, funny, kind, smart, determined, and handsome my little brother was growing up.

There was footage of us cracking jokes on each other, getting each other in trouble, celebrating birthdays, family outings, baking for a school project, martial arts demonstrations, playing kickball with the neighborhood kids, and the lovely beaches of Hawaii, just to name a few.

There was even footage of my Dad, trying to get us to sing Christmas carols while putting up the Christmas tree. We couldn’t stop cracking jokes on each other, some funny, some not so nice, as that is what kids do.

My Dad was like can ya’ll stop for just a little bit, as he was still singing, and I was bossing the younger siblings around, telling them where to put the ornaments.

Jay said, what are you a tyrant Trilicia. I just wanted the tree to look put together.

We did sing a little bit of Jingle Bells but the kids’ version you know the one:
Jingle Bells Batman Smells, Robin laid and egg. HAHAHA

Wish we still had more time to do those things as adults. Just to be like “ You Remember When…”

What was really cool though, is that I could see my brother’s love for the ocean, sea creatures, scuba, fishing, and swimming in those old clips. Who knew those would be big parts of his life as an adult.

Though we lived across the country from each other, we stayed connected even if just texting. He shared his wife and kids with us via photos, short clips of the girls on the trampoline, learning to swim, trips to VA, trips to CO, etc.

He was so proud of his family and they were everything to him.

Going through some of the videos and photos from past to present, I could see how much my Dad and his first born son had a special connection. So many moments of smiling at his son with that “I am so proud of you look.” Video footage of my dad going to greet him in the morning and them having just the simplest conversations.

I know for a fact that every moment they had was cherished.

We are so proud of who he had grown up to be. A loyal, strong, respected, determined, hardworking, good-hearted man.

I used to tell people he was a real-life G. I. JOE, no explanation needed!

You know brother I was ready to call you the following week to plan for our next visit. I had the place in mind and everything. The Canon City Yurts near the Royal Gorge. How fun would that have been to go white water rafting, fishing, and ziplining with the family and see all the beautiful views of Colorado. Now I would have been nervous about ziplining for the first time, but with the family I was going to put on a brave face.

Maybe in the future, that trip can still be done in your memory.

My dear brother you are my heart, our heart. I love you and miss you so much! We all do!

We as a family will do anything we can to be there for the family you have built, so that your legacy will continue. We can’t wait until the day we get to meet you up in the air with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

To everyone that loves, laughed with, taught, learned from, grew with, fell and got back up with, had fun with, and tried something new with our Jay in any part of his life, thank you.

I leave you all with this:

John 14:1-7

New International Version

14 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.

2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”

5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

7 If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery

Today we celebrate your life! You would have been 44! 
I’m so thankful for the 43 years I did get to call you my brother. The best gift I ever got as a child is when you were born! I love you and miss you so much!

I miss my brothers smile, his jokes, his tips on getting healthy, his funny sarcastic comments, his determination, the love he had for his kids. I could go on and on. I just miss him so much!

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