Jay Frieden

November 12, 1948 – May 16, 2025

Jay Frieden was born on November 12, 1948, to Lorman and Justine Frieden in Norfolk, Virginia. He was the eldest of three boys, growing up alongside his younger brothers, Lester and Kirk. During his childhood, the family moved to Los Angeles, California, where his father opened a car wash. Jay and his brothers spent many hours working there—a place that stood proudly until the turn of the century. He graduated from Fairfax High School.

In his twenties, Jay set out on his own, and headed to the University of Las Vegas to study Hotel Management. He later held management positions with Pioneer Chicken and Domino's Pizza. Ever the adventurer, he drove across the country twice in a Volkswagen Beetle. On one of those trips, a stop in Athens, Georgia, would unexpectedly shape the rest of his life.

Jay made Athens his home, where he opened Express Pizza—a favorite hangout for University of Georgia students. It was there he met the love of his life, Geory, when her rugby team stopped in for a bite. The two married in 1983 in a small, heartfelt ceremony at their home. With their marriage, Jay became a proud “bonus dad” to Marie, and in 1986, he and Geory welcomed their daughter, Candace.

Jay later opened PJ’s Diner and eventually transitioned into Campus Kitchens, where he and Geory prepared and served meals for fraternity houses at UGA. They ran the business side-by-side for 25 years before retiring. In 2016, they moved to Savannah to be closer to Candace and her growing family.

Jay had a deep love for music and was lucky to experience legendary performances during his youth in Los Angeles—artists like Van Morrison and Elvis Presley left a lasting impression. His early experiences around cars sparked a lifelong appreciation for automobiles. He was an avid Georgia Bulldogs fan, rarely missing a game on fall Saturdays. He had a sweet tooth and a great appreciation for exceptional food. Jay loved to laugh—his humor was quick, often unexpected, and filled every space with light. Over the years, his hobbies included fishing, cooking, model trains, movies, and studying the stock market. For Jay, there was nothing better than time at the beach with family and a well-made margarita in hand.

Jay is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Geory; his daughters, Candace (Harry) and Marie (Ron); and his cherished grandchildren, Ethan, Ben, Ettalee, Violet, and Banks. He is also survived by his brothers, Lester (Debbie) and Kirk.

Jay will be remembered for his warmth, his wit, and the deep love he had for his family and friends. His legacy lives on in the stories he told, the meals he made, and the joy he brought to every room he entered.

John 14:1–3

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God;[a] believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?[b] 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” 

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