Jay K. Myers
Jay K. Myers, 65, of Ashland, passed away at home on his birthday, December 8, 2021, surrounded by his wife Liz and his beloved dogs, after a nine month bout with cancer. Born December 8, 1956 in Ashland, he was the son of Everett and Jean (Bean) Myers.
In his too-short lifetime, Jay (J-Bird) touched so many people with his warmth, empathy, generosity and wicked sense of humor. Jay was a consummate problem-solver, always fixing things and adding amazing gadgets and inventions to make life easier for everyone. These will always be a reminder of Jay to his whole family.
Jay married his best friend and love of his life, Liz Crone in 1980. Jay’s “happy place” was spending time with Liz and their dogs whether in Ashland or at their remote getaways: a home on Bald Head Island, North Carolina and a family island on Lake Temagami, Ontario.
Jay was a lifelong resident of Ashland with deep family roots in the community. This fourth generation Ashland native spent many of his elementary school days sitting outside the principal’s office at Taft School. He then moved on to University School in Cleveland, Ohio to prepare for his college experience. The college years were spent at Kenyon College resulting in an education in English Literature which prepared him to become a writer or a teacher, neither of which seemed like the right path. A career in the family pump business was also not of interest, so he took a summer job in construction while he sorted things out. That summer job became a career, leading to a minority ownership in Jennings and Churella Construction Company in Wellington, Ohio.
His experience and knowledge brought him back to Ashland, the town he loved, to become Vice President and minority owner of Simonson Construction Services, Inc. where he spent the next 22 years supporting the growth and development of his hometown. This would include major projects for Ashland University, UH Samaritan Medical Center, Wil Research and Advanced Ceramics to name a few.
Jay contributed much to his community. He served on many boards in Ashland, including Brethren Care Village, Trinity Lutheran Church, and the Ashland Cemetery Association. Jay accepted the privilege of joining the Ashland County Community Foundation Board (ACCF) in 2006. He witnessed the good work that resulted from the ACCF’s coming together with these and other organizations to improve our community and enhance the lives of those who live here. He served as a trustee for 15 of ACCF’s 27 years.
Jay was preceded in death by his loving parents, Everett Myers and Jean (Bean) Myers; his parents-in-law, Homer and Denise Crone; and his sister-in-law, Terry Stoldt.
He is survived by his wife, Liz; sister, Pam (Rod) Morgan; niece, Elizabeth Morgan; nephew, Tim (MacKenzie) Morgan and their children, Max, Sam and William; brother, Dr. Phil (Ann) Myers; nephew, Rett (Ashley) Myers and their children, Carmen, Evan and Logan; sister-in-law, Sherry Johnston; niece, Whitney Stoldt; and nephew, Cameron Stoldt.
Because of the pandemic and Jay’s wishes, there will be a small private family service. The family is planning a Celebration of Life for Jay sometime in the new year.
To honor Jay and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Jay K. Myers Memorial Fund for the benefit of the Ashland County Cancer Association, held by the Ashland County Community Foundation, 300 College Avenue, Ashland, Ohio 44805. For more information, please contact Jim Cutright, President and CEO of ACCF at 419-281-4733.
The Ashland Home of Wappner Funeral Directors is honored to serve the family of Jay Myers.
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