Jay N. Cross

Jay N. Cross passed away peacefully May 19, 2018, surrounded by loving family at home. Jay N. Cross was born 4-28-1927 in Columbus Ohio to Dr. John N. and Dorothy Cross, the oldest of 3 children. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, his sister Ginny, 2 sons, Robert and Thomas, and his daughter, Linda. Jay is survived by his loving wife Bernice (and her son Paul), his brother Gus Cross (and wife Donna), 2 sons John (and wife Kathy) and Brad (and wife Amy), and daughter Dawn as well as 5 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. He joined Navy after graduating from Columbus West High School and served at Great Lakes Naval Center during WW II. After his Navy service, he earned his degree in Bacteriology from Ohio State. He later went on to North Carolina to earn his master’s degree in Public Health. His first position out of OSU was at Eli Lily, Indianapolis, Indiana. There he realized his passion was not in the laboratory but in public health. He returned to Ohio and became an environmental sanitarian. Jay took a leadership role and became president of the Ohio Sanitarian’s Association. His passion for public health earned him the position of assistant Health Commissioner of Columbus, Ohio, followed by his appointment as Health Commissioner of Portsmouth, Ohio. Next Jay became an expert in the field of alcohol treatment for American Public Health Association in New York City where he published two books on the subject. Jay became a sociology professor for Rutgers University, and a consultant to military on public health issues. In his spare time, Jay was very active in civic organizations in many communities. His last post was as president of his Rotary Club in Swanton, Maryland. Jay loved to travel. He loved sailing his boat in the Atlantic. He enjoyed his motorhomes and traveling adventures. Jay’s favorite destination was right here in southern Arizona where he settled after he retired in 1995 from Maryland. When he retired, Jay received the Outstanding Service Award from the Maryland Governor. He loved his cars with his favorite one being the next one he’d get excited about. Traveling was instilled in him at 12 years old. He lived in Puerto Rico for 2 years where he became fluent in Spanish – a skill he never lost. Jay loved dogs, classic music of the 40’s, his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes football team, the military, playing on his computers, gadgets of every sort, and painting. Painting was what brought Jay and Bernice together. Jay fell in love with his wonderful teacher. They were married last June in a beautiful ceremony. Jay was, by nature, a very engaging man able to talk to anyone about any subject. He worked tirelessly caring for sons Bobby and Tommy through their lifelong health struggles. The family offers special thanks to the wonderful, caring Casa de la Paz Hospice team, the Bright Star Care team, the Legacy Home Health Care team for their loving care and the caring team in Peggy Schmidt’s, ANP-BC, office of VA in Tucson. Thanks to all the loving staff and friends at Mountain View Gardens for their unselfish support and love through difficult times. Lastly, thanks to Honor Flight of Tucson for sponsoring Jay’s Washington DC trip in September, 2017, that meant so much to him. From all who loved Jay, we will miss him but his memory and love remains in our hearts until we meet again. A Celebration of Life will be held 1:00 pm on Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at Faith Presbyterian Church in Sierra Vista. A reception will follow at the church.

Jay N. Cross

April 28, 1927 - May 19, 2018