Support Jay's Family with Funeral Costs

My name is Michael Swain and I've been neighbors with Jay since he moved into our quiet neighborhood (around 2010), lovingly referred to as North Shore. While I have contributed to many causes in the past, I find myself now creating a GoFundMe to help say goodbye to Jay. The reality is funerals are expensive, and this GoFundMe will 100% go to Laura M, Jay's sister, to help offset funeral costs.

Jay unexpectedly passed away Friday morning, August 30th. For those who didn’t know him, Jay was the man you’d often see riding his bike through North Shore, covering every street, every day, rain or shine. He routinely rode 15-30 miles a day, not just for the exercise, but because he truly loved this neighborhood.

On the outside, Jay might have seemed a bit reserved, but once you knew him, you understood the truth: Jay had a heart of gold. He cared deeply about our community, even if that meant being a thorn in the city’s side to keep our parks and streets clean. Jay was always there when you needed him, and he looked after his next-door neighbor like she was family.

Jay shared his love of biking with me, my family, and anyone else he could convince to grab their bike. We often would find ourselves riding around the neighborhood, the S-line, Panama Park, and even downtown.

Beyond his love for cycling, Jay was also an avid boater and, more recently, a jet skier. He loved being on the water, finding peace and joy out there just as he did on the streets of our neighborhood. Whether on two wheels or out on the water, Jay found his own way to connect with the world around him and anyone lucky enough to cross his orbit.

Jay wasn’t just our neighbor—he was a brother, an uncle, and a friend. He will be deeply missed by my family and everyone in North Shore. The streets—and the waters—won’t feel the same without him keeping watch over the places he loved so much.

Rest in peace, Jay. Your spirit will always be a part of this neighborhood.