James Jay

Hartland - James A. Jay, age 75, passed away on March 13, 2016 at the Angels Grace Hospice Center in Oconomowoc. James was born on April 12, 1940 in Whitefish Bay, WI, the son of John and Lillian (Zachary) Jay. Jim was owner/broker of his own real estate firm for several years in Rockford, Il. He also travelled extensively for business as a member of various economic development councils. Some of Jim's accomplishments and accreditations include being a Certified Economic Developer, Past President of the Midwest Area Economic Development Council, Past Chairman of American Development Council Board, Past Member of Illinois Development Council, Past Member of Wisconsin Economic Development Association, Past Member of Industrial Development Research Council, Past Member of National Association of Office and Industrial Parks, Former faculty member of University of Wisconsin, Graduate of University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee majoring in Urban Affairs, Advanced studies in Urban Land Economics, Area Development Executive service communities in Illinois and Wisconsin for years, Assisted in attracting over $2 Billion in private capital investments in communities served and was recognized as a national leader by economic development professionals. In his leisure time, James was an excellent cook and enjoyed cooking. Most of all Jim loved fishing and spent many happy summers with his wife, Sallie, at their Boulder Junction retreat. His fishing trips with Whitefish Bay friends were very special and he looked forward to them. James is survived by his wife, Sallie; two sons, Andrew (Lisa) Jay and Christopher (Michelle) Jay; a daughter, Anne (Rev. David) Schlieter; a step-daughter, Tracy (Derrick) Douglas; two sisters-in-law, Susan (Patrick) Noethe and Shirley Reiser; three grandchildren, Claire, Cole and Carson and two sisters, Sandra (Richard) Shober and Lily Gart and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. James was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Jan Jay. Private Celebrations of Life services will be held at a later date.