Jay Schulmeister's Obituary
Jay Schulmeister; Age 62, Passed away on October 27, 2020 from a tragic accident at home in Bushnell, Fl.
Jay was born to Winifred “Winnie” and William “Bill” Schulmeister On July 16, 1958 in Rantoul, IL.; Chanute AFB. He is preceded in death by his parents, step-mom Lee, brother-in-law(His Mentor) James “Jim” Hughes, Travis E. Fales; Sr., uncle Ralph Hartwig, aunt Betty & uncle Wes Kline, and best friend John McNeff.
Jay is survived by his loving sweetheart of 38 years; Tammy Jo “T.J.” Fales, and her mother: Margene “Tiki” Fales; siblings: Glenn (Kathy) Schulmeister of Siloam Springs, Ar., Ruth (Rene Coulture) Hughes of Venice, Fl.;nieces: Jennifer (Chris) Greathouse, Casey (Tim) Kuth, Susan (Larry) Rankin and nephew William “Bill” (Stacy) Hughes: cousins: Wes (Mikey) Kline, Betsy (Ron) Lowe, Sue Ann (Rex Womack) Bennett. Jay has several great nieces & nephews and shared an extra special bond with his great niece: Denim Hughes who she lovingly referred to as “My Soul Uncle.”
Jay grew up in Matlacha, Fl. and graduated from North Fort Myers High School in 1976 and during High School worked as a Barefoot Water Skier at Aqua Follies. He worked at Sign Graphics where he enjoyed using his craft & artistic skills.
Jay joined Seffner-Mango Vol. Fire Dept. in 1982 where he met “T.J.”. In March of 1987, both were hired as State Certified Firefighters with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. Jay also had a Fire Science Degree, was an EMT, Driver Engineer, State Certified Fire Inspector, Fire Training Instructor, A Union Board Member, and retired as a Captain in December of 2013. Prior to his retirement; Jay thrived on “arranging many multiple company drills” to train, educate, practice safety and stay sharp! His Crews also enjoyed Jay preparing healthy, creative meals to share together.
In retirement; Jay enjoyed the country life on their 10 acre homestead. Both Jay & T.J. thoroughly enjoyed spending time together on the water boating & fishing, traveling, many concerts, supporting our Tampa Hockey, Football & Baseball teams, golfing, socializing with family & friends, and his pride & joy; a 1979 Ford F-150 truck we affectionately call “Ol’ Blue” & T.J. will continue to nurture & drive Her in Jay’s honorable memory!
Jay had a “Beautiful Way” of making others feel special and was always compassionate about helping others first. Jay will always be “loved, adored & missed tremendously by those who knew and loved him. His heart was absolutely GOLDEN!!
“Soar High Our Sweet Jay!”
A Celebration Of Life will be planned once it’s safe for all to attend. Notice will be given in advance.
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