Melanie, Alex, Shelby and family...how can any of us express our profound sorrow at this time. From the first time I met him, I saw that Jay wore his enthusiasm and love for his work, his family and his friends like a badge of honor. It was the first thing you noticed about him and each subsequent encounter was just as memorable. He was passionate in all that he did...he literally attacked any project with an energy that was both admired and inspiring to anyone lucky enough to work with him. He had the rare ability to identify needs on a broad base and would work tirelessly to improve healthcare delivery, while at the same time, devote that same zeal and energy to provide the best care possible to each individual patient on every encounter. Each patient was important to him and great care was taken that every need was recognized. It Is said that "a hero is never a hero in his own hometown." However, that statement doesn't apply to Jay, for he most definitely was, and always will be, a hero. He is a hero to those of us fortunate enough to work with him on endless committees and improvement endeavors for causes that sometimes seemed impossible...because he helped us see what we could be. He is a hero to those who worked tirelessly alongside him in the ER as he inspired with his dedication and lifted spirits with his ever-present smile, easy laugh and endless energy...because he made them proud of who they are. Most of all, he is a hero to countless patients whose lives were saved through his artful and gifted delivery of care...because they are here. Thank you, Jay. You will always be a treasured gift to us all.
Sandy Patterson
