Monday, October 21, 2013
Dear Kay,
My brother in North Plainfield told me about Jay's death and sent me the obituary. Mary and I are saddened by the news and send you and "the boys" and your whole family our sincerest condolences. As you know, Jay was my earliest childhood friend, born six months before me and living two houses away on North Main Street. Jay, his brother and father made my first Soapbox Derby racer for me with wheels we took off our tricycles! We swam together every summer in the big pond. We even saved a guy from drowning once. Walking the railroad tracks and hitching rides. So many childhood memories, all of them good ones. He knew how to get into the belfry at the Reformed Church, so we were able to climb up and ring the bell on VJ Day. A vivid memory, especially when the elders arrived to ring the bell and found us already doing it! We were 15. I guess I was visiting High Bridge shortly after you married, and I remember thinking what a lucky guy he was. 1958? I remember his smile and his big laugh. And how impressed I was (and am) that he could fly an airplane. From the obit and other people's comments, I can see that he led a full retirement as well as a full life. And, for you both, a happy one, I'm sure. Be well.
With fond memories and best wishes,
Jim Tolley
Sarasota FL
