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In Loving Memory
Jay Garth Wheeler
July 5, 1962 – March 4, 2020
Jay Garth Wheeler, 57, passed away in Bremerton on March 4, 2020. Jay was a beloved husband to Valerie; a good friend to his children Molly/Bryce, Patrick and Daniel, stepdaughters Madisen and Makenzie/Jamee and grandchildren Warner and Grey; a loving son to parents Garth and Roberta; a gregarious eldest brother to siblings/in-laws Scott/Karin, Laurie/David, Sherry/Arya, and Craig/Kamrin; a heroic uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Jay served in the Seattle Police Department South Precinct from 1989 and then later joined the Seattle Fire Department in 1997. During his career he served on Rescue 1, Ladders 5, 7, 9, 11, Engines 36, 38, and continuously supported the Fire Alarm Center. On June 28, 2017, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and was working on Engine 29 in West Seattle. In a letter to all SFD members, Fire Chief Harold D. Scoggins commended Lt. Wheeler for his contribution to public service and as a long-time valued member of the Seattle Fire Department. Jay was also a volunteer diver for the Seattle Aquarium, Jeopardy master, motorcycle rider, and connoisseur of fine whisky.
As a First Responder, Jay had two most valuable qualities: courage and hope. He led an honorable life and is leaving a legacy with Policy, Fire, and expanded family to be proud of.
Donation in Jay’s name are welcome to Seattle’s Bravest Charity.
Jay’s Public Service
Lt. Wheeler was committed to the Seattle community. He first served as an officer with the Seattle Police Department at the South Precinct in 1989 before joining the Seattle Fire Department in April, 1997. Throughout his fire service career, he served on Ladders 5, 7, 9 and 11 and Engines 36 and 38. On June 28, 2017, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and was working on Engine 29 in West Seattle. He also volunteered as a scuba diver for the Seattle Aquarium.
Here are two small examples of Jay’s exemplary service:
On August 19, 1998, while off-duty, then-Firefighter Wheeler was the first on the scene of a rollover motor vehicle accident. After ensuring the safety of bystanders, he stabilized the rolled over car, coordinating ropes to anchor points on the uphill side. He then initiated emergency medical care to the single patient trapped inside the care until the arrival of SFD units. In the words of his officer, he “acted in the finest of Seattle Fire Department tradition.”
In 2006, while serving in the Fire Alarm Center, Firefighter Wheeler received a letter of commendation for directing the delivery of a baby by the first-time father over the phone. His steady-handed questions and sure responses put both parents at ease and allowed them to focus on things that needed to be done. The baby was found wrapped in a towel as instructed when Engine 39 and the medics arrived a few minutes later. In their thank you letter, the parents acknowledged Jay’s efforts and “all the life-savers at Seattle’s 911. You helped bring a precious gift of life into our lives. We will be forever grateful.”
In a letter to all SFD members, Fire Chief Harold D. Scoggins commended Lt. Wheeler for his contributions to public service and as a long-time valued member of the Seattle Fire Department.
Digital Memorial Ceremony
Friday, June 12, 2020
2:00 P.M. PDT
Thank you to those of you who joined our virtual memorial ceremony to honor Jay’s life.
Schedule of Events
Welcome
Placement of Urn and Flag
Call to Worship
Sentences of Scripture
Reflection Song
Remembering Jay: Shared Stories
Photos of Jay’s Life
Reading: John 11
Reflection: John 11
Prayer and Lord’s Prayer
Remarks by the Chief
Firefighter’s Prayer and Benediction
Amazing Grace
Toast
Closing Memories
Streaming Tips
The quality of the video for the streamed service may vary from one guest to another, depending on the strength of the download speed provided by each guest’s internet service provider or mobile provider. Internet speed can also vary based on time of day, Wi-Fi performance, and multiple devices using the same internet connection. Follow these tips to improve your video quality:
- Connect your device to your internet via ethernet cord if you can – this is typically a stronger connection than you will receive from a Wi-Fi connection.
- Minimize the number of devices connected within a single wireless network, so that the strength of the signal is not divided among multiple devices.
- If you are joining the ceremony via a mobile device or an older computer, video lags may be caused by inadequate memory or CPU power. Close any other applications you have open so that your device can devote more processing power to the video ceremony.
- If you are connecting via Wi-Fi signal, sit as close as you can to your router for a stronger signal.
- Make sure you are using the most up-to-date version of Zoom – you can check for updates from your Zoom client by clicking on your profile picture, and from the dropdown menu, selecting “Check for Updates.”
Full Honors Memorial
October 10, 2020
Please save the date for an in-person, Full Honors memorial which is tentatively scheduled for October 10, 2020.
Gallery
Please enjoy these moments from Jay’s life that Jay’s family has chosen to share.
Guestbook
Please share a story or leave a message for Jay’s family.
I will always be a richer person having Jay for my nephew. Once, when he was 4 years old, he heard that I was “broke” so he rushed to his piggy bank and brought me a penny. It is still in my jewelry box and I will never be “broke” again
An amazing man nephew father husband. I remember so much about him. Holding him loving him when he was a newborn and having him near when he attended Eastern Wash university. Baking day was fun. I swear he could smell the cookies from his dorm. He would stop by. Loved his laugh. His hugs. Rescued him as he was stranded in Spokane after missing the last bus. We were his refuge as he needed to get away. A wonderful visit a couple of years ago as he was on a motorcycle trip and stopped to visit on the way. We learned about a beautiful young woman that he was in love with by the name of Val. He would light up as he spoke of her. We loved this amazing man. We will miss him
Jay always greeted me with a big smile and interest in what I was up to,I will think of him often and am better off for knowing him
Thank you so much “auntie Carol” . He loved you and was always so excited to see you as a toddler. Scared me to death when he was 13 months old and I heard him screaming outside the church (Verna’s wedding). Ran out to see him running towards his Auntie Carol, who had just arrived. Whew!
Rest in Peace Brother Jay!
Rest In Peace, Jay, and God bless you, Val.
Rest In Peace Jay, thank you for your encouragement.
RIP Brother.
Jay you and your family have been like family to us. Lot’s pf fond memories. We shall miss. Rest in peace.