Herrell Jay Houston

5/12/1942 - 7/23/2023

We lost our Glue with the passing of our Papadeaux, but his sons Jon and Fred could no longer wait for him.

Jay was fondly known by many names: Papadeaux, Jay, Dad, P. Diddy, Mr. Herrell, Sargent Houston, and Renaissance Man. His favorites were Dad and Papadeaux.

A doting father of three, his favorite activity when the children were young was watching them play sports—soccer, baseball, football—and of course his daughter singing. The legacy continued with his beloved grandchildren, Bridget and "Jay Boy."

Jay was a true Renaissance Man who was interested in every facet of life.  As a young man he  enjoyed being a Boy Scout. He loved to camp, learn about nature, and good manners. He enjoyed going to the movie house with his grandparents on the weekends.  He was also an athlete and while football won out before becoming an Eagle Scout, drama won out before college football would break his body down.  He loved film and caught the acting bug as a teenager.  

While working on his Bachelor of Art in Drama at San Jose State University, he served his community working for the San Jose Police Department for two decades. He turned to the PD after one of his professors suggested the work would facilitate life experience to which he could bring to his work as an actor and director.  The job won out once his third baby came along. His interests turned to training within the police department. He created a degree program for himself and was awarded his Masters of Art in Instructional Technology in 1972. Shortly before he finished is program he was promoted to Sergeant (February 1972). He began creating training videos for the PD. Complications with hypertension would encourage an early retirement  during the fall of 1984. 

After retiring, Jay became a certified hypnotherapist with the Stillman Institute. He used this skill to help change peoples’ lives, including smokers he hypnotized into knowing they were no longer tobacco enthusiasts. As a nature lover his favorite past times were catch and release fishing, and hiking the many bay area hiking trails. As a member of the Sierra Club, he also participated in many sponsored hikes and photography clinics. Also a talented artist, he fulfilled his vast creative tendencies throughout his life. He enjoyed reading, writing short stories and poetry, photography, and sculpting in alabaster, soapstone, marble, driftwood, and clay. He painted in acrylic and watercolor and sketched in pastel chalks. He was invited to show his work in a variety of art exhibits and galleries.

Jay leaves behind his sister, Nancy Pat Tarwater (husband Dalton), “first wife” and friend Patt Houston, daughter Joci-Patrice Houston, grandchildren Bridget and Jay Houston, daughter-in-laws Kimberly (Jon) and Chrystal Bougon (Fred), Sister-in-laws Norene and Judy Flaherty, cherished friend Julie Holding, and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends who cherish the memory of a very special man who wove such a rich tapestry in life. Jay was preceded in death by his sons Jon Jay Houston and Fred Houston.

Our Papadeaux was truly one-of-a-kind, and will be loved and missed dearly by all who knew him.

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