Jay William Wyma
Jay William Wyma of Raleigh, NC passed away on October 29, 2025 at the age of 80. He fought a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s before passing peacefully at his home.
Born on December 12, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois, Jay was the son of the late Arthur John and Florence Etta Wyma, formerly of Thornton, Illinois. He attended the University of Illinois and he first noticed his future wife in an evening psychology class held at Thornton Township High School. Jay and Marian Louise Heath officially met when he kindly picked her up while she was walking in a snowstorm on the way to college.
A Dedicated Church, Veteran, and Family Man
Jay served his country as a veteran of the Vietnam War. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on September 24, 1965, and served for two years, including one year in Vietnam as a Radio TT Operator. He was honorably discharged on September 22, 1967, at the rank of Private Specialist E-4. For his service, Jay received the Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device 60, Army Commendation Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.
During his time in the service, Jay and Marian grew deeper in love. Known for being a quiet man, the words Jay wrote in his letters to Marian revealed the tenderness and intelligence that he only shared with those closest to him. They married on July 6, 1968, in Dolton, Illinois, and shared a beautiful life together for 57 years.
He was a man of integrity and a devoted peacemaker. Taking care of his family was always a priority. Jay worked as a dedicated mainframe programmer (DOS) for decades, earning numerous achievement awards every ten years. Though he had a "programmer's brain," he was a closet artist who enjoyed drawing and also had a lifelong hobby of stamp collecting.
Life's Joys and Legacy
Jay was a patient man who could effortlessly make a pun in any situation and was usually singing oldies from the 50’s and 60’s. He was a loving husband and a wonderful father and grandfather. He was a good listener and was known as a "broken heart healer" for his daughters. He always offered the best advice — but only when asked for it. He attended every game and performance for his children and grandchildren, always making sure to celebrate afterwards with things like a Wendy’s frosty and fries, or lemonade from The Purple Onion.
After retirement, he and Marian vacationed often, and Jay was finally able to watch as many TV reruns as he wanted. He loved spoiling his grandchildren, and the family will cherish memories of their family vacations, visits to Micky’s Gyros, sharing Sonic milkshakes, tinkering in the garage to fix whatever was broken, and cuddling.
Jay is survived by his beloved wife, Marian Louise Wyma; his three daughters and their families: Dawn Marie Cassel and husband Brian and their daughter Morgan; Candace Jeanne Jernigan and husband David and their son Jonathan; and Jodi Lynn Honeycutt and her husband Ben and their three children: son Garrett and his wife Keishla and their daughter Roxanne, son Jay, and daughter Ashlynn. He is also survived by his sister, Marcia Rae Smith of Cedar Lake, Indiana.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Dennis Wyma.
The family finds peace in the scripture: “Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other.” — Ephesians 4:2 (CEV).
Service Details
A celebration service will be held at Richland Creek Community Church in Wake Forest, NC on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 1:00 pm. There will be a visitation held for one hour. The service will begin at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jay Wyma’s memory to Transitions LifeCare at 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.