Jay Jones

 

It is with great sadness that I write about the passing of Jay Jones, a friend and mentor. Jay introduced me to general aviation and was the first person to encourage me to work on obtaining my private pilot certificate when I started thinking seriously about becoming a pilot. I relied often on his deep wealth of aviation advice and counsel many times throughout my training and post certificate flying. I owe him a debt of gratitude for helping me achieve the gift of flight.

Jay marched to the beat of his own drum, a true individual. Jay was an entrepreneur, having worked in start-ups and in founding a factory automation company, Exonic Systems. Jay, being an avid aviator, often used his Piper Archer as an effective way to meet with his clients scattered across the eastern United States. Jay was a very skilled pilot and he had gained his aviation experience by flying many cross-country flights through many varying conditions. There were some flights where he gained significant "experience" but always came through with keeping his cool and making the right decisions.

Jay was also a conscientiousness pilot. A few years back, upon thinking, perhaps realizing, that he had reached a point where he no longer felt he was able to fly to his high level of standards, made the what must have been an incredibly difficult decision to stop flying as pilot-in-command. It is the rare individual who can be so introspective.

Jay had an amazing ability to enjoy life and to show others how to enjoy it as well. I will miss Jay's uplifting presence, generosity, and wisdom. May the wind be beneath his wings.

-Craig


Obituary: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/postgazette/obituary.aspx?n=jay-jones&pid=155541651

JAY A. JONES
67, of O'Hara Township, died Monday, January 16, 2012, at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. He was born on D-Day, June 6, 1944 in New Kensington, PA, son of the late D. Eugene Jones and Jean C. Jones. He attended Valley Forge Military Academy and Franklin Regional High School and was graduated with an associated degree in electronics from Penn Technical Institute. Jay was the founder and President of Exonic Systems, a high technology factory automation company with multiple operations throughout the mid-Atlantic United States. He was an accomplished, instrument rated, general aviation pilot and flew his plane to meet with customers on a regular basis. In addition, his interests included cabinet making, boating, electronic and computer equipment, and world-wide traveling. He was a member of numerous organizations involving factory automation, general aviation and advanced technology. Surviving are his beloved fiancee, Diane Rapacchietta of Pittsburgh; sister, Beverly Jones (Buzz) Taylor of Oakmont; brothers, Donald H. (Barbara) Jones of Pittsburgh and Leland A. (Bernice) Jones of Export. He was preceded in death by his brother, Barry E. (Deanne) Jones. Also surviving are nieces, Ali Taylor (Oakmont), Hannah Jones (Hudson, Ohio), Autumn Jones Katarincic (Fox Chapel), Amy Jones Teele (O'Hara Township) and nephews, Stephen Jones (Hudson, Ohio), Nathan Jones (Hudson, Ohio) and D. Tom Jones (Hampton Twp.). Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, January 20 and from 10 to 12 noon on Saturday, January 21 at the THOMAS M. SMITH FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, LTD., 930 Center Avenue, Blawnox, PA 15238-3237, 412-828-5700. A memorial service will be held on Saturday January 21 at 2:30 p.m. at the Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church, 384 Fox Chapel Road, 15238, 412-963-8243. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association , in memory of Jay A Jones.
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Published in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette from January 19 to January 20, 2012