Jay D. White

Jay D. White, age 63; passed away surrounded by loved ones on August 17, 2021. Survived by his forever love/wife Deborah White (nee Tudor), four daughters; Nicole White, Tracy (Matt) Benner, Jennifer White, Laura (Elmer) Swart, 17 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, his mother Angeline White (nee Fishel), brother Jim (Cynthia) White, and sister Lori Sabin (Joe Stachweicz). Jay is preceded in death by his father James White and two brothers Kenneth White and Robert "Bob" (Karen) White.

Born and raised in Rockford, Illinois, Jay was very involved with local sports and his church community. He graduated from West High School, class of 1976 and went on to obtain his Bachelor's Degree from Bradley University. He moved to Ohio in 1997 where he continued to raise his family while working for University Hospitals of Cleveland for the next 24 years. He loved his wife deeply, his daughters, grandchildren and great grandchild. He was never too busy to get involved in a conversation, a game or moment for his kids and grandkids. These are the lessons and values that will carry on forever as part of his legacy.

From his daughters: If you asked a hundred people who Jay Donald White was, you would get a variety of answers, some similar, some unique to your own meeting, however, there will always be a common theme. He was a very special man. His love and devotion to his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchild and family had no bounds. He was a superhero, our rock, our magnetic pole. His jokes will live on and his sense of humor will be what brings a smile to your face on a day you least expect. He was a fan of football and baseball, especially Willie Mays and the SF Giants. For the next few months, this “Cubs family” will be cheering really hard for Jay’s Giants.

From a daughter’s perspective he was everything we envisioned in how a man should be. He loved and cared unconditionally. He put others first. He would be quick to share a story, song, or joke—always looking for a laugh or smile to ensure happiness in those around him. He was a light when things seemed dark. He was there even if it was hard to find words. He believed even when we didn’t, he saw the greatness in each and everyone of us, his hand, though not here all the time, is what pulled us up and we know that hand, heart and love will always be there to pull us all up now.

Celebration of life to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to University Hospitals of Cleveland Cardiovascular Unit or Rainbow Babies and Children at https://support.uhgiving.org