I am so very sorry to discover this news about Jay today.  I tried to look him up a few years ago when I was in California but was unsuccessful.  I am gutted. He was the embodiment of kindness.  

Jay taught me the gospel as a full-time missionary in South Africa in 1992.   He was sincere and real and uniquely himself.  He didn't care much for arbitrary rules, and I had a deep sense of his true caring for my best welfare.   He spoke at my baptism and that talk still guides me. 

Alicia, I am so sorry for your loss.   It was a privilege to know him.

I went to junior high and high school with Jason and knew him from church.  Although we lost touch, he will always be one of the people I remember the most, as a kind and sweet person and an amazing artist, accepting of everyone.  If you ever met him, you would never forget him. 

I am deeply saddened to hear of his loss and wish his family and wife my deepest condolences.    

When I think about Jaybird,  smiles erupt and I am instantly back to Jr High and High School days. I visualize Jason and the guys on their Vespas in their stylish mod attire, and the smell of cloves is definitely in the air. Then I wonder, do I remember seeing Jay without his hat? Hanging at punk shows with the sweetest mod-punk around was always fun times. I talked with him after his mission and remember being so impressed with his maturity and kindness. We chatted online at some point in the last decade but life has a way of slipping by without you noticing. 

My deep condolences to his love, his family, and  friends around the globe whose lives he touched. He shines in the heavens for us now. Peace. 

"There is a light and it never goes out"

The love of The Smiths at a Smiths night in Vegas sparked our friendship .

"It takes strength to be gentle and kind"as the lyrics go .

Love always and fly free Jay Bird.

Your forever  friends in England xxx

Met Jason in Oct. 91 in Provo, UT.

Lived with him in Africa. Great friend, great missionary.  So  thankful for his friendship.