Jay B DesJardins, 79, of Leesburg, FL, passed away on January 21, 2021 after an 8-month battle with brain cancer.
Jay was born on January 18, 1942 to Bernard and Dorothy (Cook) DesJardins in Flint, MI. They moved from Flint to Shell Lake, WI in 1948. In the mid 50’s the family relocated to Frederic, WI where Jay attended high school, earning 12 letters in athletics and was captain of his football, basketball, and baseball teams. After graduating, he attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison for a year. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force serving most of his 4 years in Utah. During this time, he married Virginia Dehn, also of Frederic, in 1962 and continued his education at Weber State College in Ogden, UT. After his enlistment, he attended the Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science in Milwaukee, WI. Following his graduation, he started his career as funeral director and mortician in Sheboygan, WI. He later moved to Spooner, WI, and Forest Lake, MN while raising his family. In 1973, he settled in Madison, WI and worked for Joyce Funeral Home where he was an active Rotarian, serving as President of the West Towne Club, and was a Knights of Columbus member. Jay retired in 2001 and moved to Leesburg, FL.
In retirement, Jay enjoyed golfing as a member of the Monarch Golf Club until his later years and was a member of St. Paul's Catholic Community in Leesburg. He spent many wonderful vacations with family and friends. He was a devoted Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers fan. He always followed sports including football and golf. In later years, he played in Texas Hold ‘Em card groups and would often meet up with friends after picking up the mail.
Jay was preceded in death by both his parents, Bernard (1996) and Dorothy DesJardins (2009), and a granddaughter Mikayla Ortiz (2003). He is survived by his loving wife, Virginia (Ginger); son Jay Jr. (Evelyn) DesJardins of Washington DC, and two daughters, Shari Ortiz of Stuart, FL and Tara DesJardins of Mechanicsville, VA. Blessings in his life were 9 other grandchildren: Dylan DesJardins, Désirée DesJardins, Sydney DesJardins, Tanner Ortiz (Sarah), Justin Ortiz, (Jordan), Arianna Ortiz, Bianka Wilkins, Savannah Wilkins, and Jayden Wilkins; a great grandchild, Camden Jay Ortiz; as well as a sister, Dawn Freeburg; and two brothers, Dale (Jeanne) DesJardins, and Jeff (Marilyn) DesJardins; including a large extended family.
A mass will be held at St. Paul Catholic Community Church, 1330 Sunshine Avenue, Leesburg, FL 34748 at 10:00 AM on Friday, January 29th, 2021. Social distancing and masks are required. Live viewing of the mass can be seen at this link: http://ccstpaul.com/ click on Live Church Cam. Interment will follow the funeral at the Florida National Cemetery, 6502 S.W. 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, FL 33513
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the family will be planning a celebration of life at a later date at a location to be determined. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to St. Paul’s Catholic Community Food Pantry, 1330 Sunshine Avenue, Leesburg, FL 34748 in Jay’s memory.
Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home & Crematory, Leesburg, Florida. Condolences may be left at www.beyersfuneralhome.com
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