John Jay was best described as a loving, caring and devoted family man with an incredible sense of humor. He enjoyed telling stories, being the family driving instructor, listening to gospel music and being the “Barbecue Grill Master.”

The former SEPTA bus driver died on February 3. He was 76.

Jay was born on January 4, 1936 to John and Ethel Jay in Philadelphia. He was educated in the Philadelphia Public School District and graduated from Northeast High School for Boys. As a young man, he worked at Strict Trailer Co. for 20 years and Trail Mobile Co. as a truck driver and trailer jockey. He then became a bus driver for SEPTA and retired in 1998.

In 1973, Jay married Jean Mosley. Through that union, they created a happy, blended family of 10 children.

Jay accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and became a member of New Tabernacle Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Norman Henderson.

Jay leaves to mourn: wife, Jean Jay; four sons, John Steven, William, Kenneth and Kevin; three daughters, Deborah, Theresa and Donnie-Michelle; three sisters, Hattie, Margaret and Barbara; brother, Richard; sister-in-law, Teresa; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by three of his children, Michael, Teresa and Maurice.

Services will be held Feb. 9 at New Tabernacle Baptist Church, 5717 Baynton St. The viewing will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The service will start at 11 a.m. Beckett-Brown and Hodges Funeral Home handled the arrangements.