Jay Wannamaker Obituary

Jay Raymond Wannamaker died Monday, January 24th, 2022.

The son of Grete and Alfred Wannamaker, Jay was born in Toledo, Ohio on March 2nd, 1941.

He is survived by his beloved family, his wife, Marjorie (Midge), of 52 years, his brother Fritz Wannamaker, his daughter Tiffan Wannamaker, his son Logan Wannamaker and Logan's wife Katie Wannamaker, and two granddaughters, Stolle and Ava Wannamaker.

Jay graduated from DeVilbiss High School in 1959 and from Ohio University in 1963 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.He was commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy in 1964. From 1964 through 1967, he was stationed aboard the U.S.S. Midway C.V.A. 41 as a naval gunfire liaison officer with the Marine Corps in Vietnam and, finally, as an instructor in naval gunfire at the Naval Amphibious Base in Coronado, CA.

Jay's career began with the Buckeye Furniture Company in 1967, where he presided as president from 1969 to 1973. After a move to Durango, CO in 1973, he was a real estate broker for investment properties with Tamarron Resort (Glacier Club). In 1975, he and his wife created Wannamaker & Company (a residential and contract furniture sales company in Durango). In 1983 Jay formed Western American Seating, a commercial chair manufacturing company, which, in 1989, was bought out by Valiant Products of Denver. Jay proceeded to become general manager of their seating division-Valiant Chair Manufacturing. Later in life, he worked independently as a manufacturer's representative of commercial office furniture and seating for numerous companies, traveling throughout several western states.

Some of his favorite spots were in the radiant canyons of Lake Powell, sharing a sunset with his wife aboard "Slow Dancin", picnicking with friends on the sunny slopes of Purgatory Ski Resort, or nested in his lounge chair listening to the Animas River tumble past his home north of Durango.

Jay's close friends loved him for his incredible wit and patience. His favorite activity was to make people laugh. Some will remember his "head bobbing" impressions of the comedic Jaybird, others will recall his perfected James Brown moves and, hopefully, the next generation will retell his infamous ghost stories around a campfire. His physical comedy was his signature and there wasn't a day he wasn't catching someone off guard or making the world a lighter place. Significantly, he will also be embraced as someone who listened. His soft-spoken questions and reflections gave many people peace and fortitude within their own lives.

With love beyond words, Jay's wife and children will always remember him as a kind, caring, and devoted husband and father. --- The Jaybird has flown, but the glory of his gentle heart will be with us forever.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jay's name to the Alzheimer's Association.

Alz.org/donate