Jay Kriss Obituary

Jay Lawrence Kriss passed away unexpectedly in his home in Durango, Colorado on October 13, 2016 and is now at peace. Jay was a likable, charming individual who had an enthusiasm for life, engaging deeply in any activity that drew his interest. Jay was born February 16, 1963 in Lawrence, Kansas to Jay W. and Judy A. Kriss. At an early age his family moved to Colorado Springs, where Jay grew up and graduated from Cheyenne Mountain High School. While attending college he spent a brief time as a musician and volunteer fireman. As a young man he went to Washington D.C. where he worked for Senator Bill Armstrong of Colorado and later Senator Pete Wilson of California as Legislative Aid for Defense and National Security while also serving in the U.S. Army Reserves and earning his parachutist rating. It was later in life he found his true passion while peering through a camera lens as a cinematographer. Starting as a cameraman for NASCAR races and NFL games, Jay discovered a love for telling stories through film, and turned his labors to making documentaries. He started a film company, InSpirit Creative, and released the company's first feature documentary, Harvesting the High Plains. The film received numerous Telly awards and was featured on PBS stations throughout the United States. In his spare time, Jay enjoyed cooking and playing music - he was an accomplished piano and guitar player - and was a tremendous people person, with a wonderful sense of humor and an ability to put anyone at ease talking with him.

He is survived by his two sons, Charles and Forrest, his parents, his step-mother, Connie Kriss, his brothers, John and Jordan; sister, Jill; step-brother, Brian; step-sister, Amy; and his longtime companion, Sydney Duvall.

A private family gathering is planned. Memorial donations may be made to the: Jay L. Kriss Memorial Account for the benefit of Colorado Public Television; at Kirkpatrick Bank, Colorado Springs, CO