Jay was a long time orthopedic sales representative with Howmedica and Stryker. He was truly one of the good guys who served our industry with honor and integrity. He has left an indelible mark on his colleagues, nurses and surgeons. He will be missed.
Kennedy, Jay (Jamieson)
July 4, 1963 – April 11, 2015
Living with passion, persevering in the face of adversity, and having the heart of a champion are just three of the many inspiring mantras that Jay Kennedy lived by and shared with the world. Anyone who was fortunate to have known Jay could attest to his motivating and lively spirit, contagious work ethic, and passionate heart.
Jay Kennedy- Son of Dr. Jamieson and Helen Kennedy; Wife of Ellen Kennedy; Father of Caroline and Stephanie Kennedy; and Brother to Mary Kay Kennedy- was born and raised in the beautiful mountains of Colorado Springs. He grew up skiing, backpacking, cycling, and adventuring alongside his father. A “Forever Buff”, Jay attended the University of Colorado at Boulder and graduated with a degree in Biology. His hard work and inspiration from his father lead him to a successful career as an Orthopedic Sales Rep for Stryker in Phoenix, Arizona- where he thrived as an incredible leader and inspiration to many.
Jay’s motivation and perseverance grew from his vigorous journeys as an avid cyclist. No matter what the challenge was…Jay was up for it, and he was 110% committed to accomplishing it. After countless hours spent training on his mountain bike, in cycle classes at Lifetime Fitness, and enduring endless “planks” at the gym, Jay accomplished the “Leadville 100” mountain bike race this past August in Leadville, Colorado. Furthermore, Jay accomplished the Ride for Semper Fi- a 430 mile bike ride from Phoenix to San Diego- in honor and in support of injured military heroes and their families. Jay was a superb hill climber on his bike, and he used this impeccable strength to help wounded veterans climb up countless hills and mountains by physically pushing them from behind. Both the Leadville 100 and the Ride for Semper Fi are not only a testament to Jay’s hard work and determination, but to his true Heart of a Champion.
Jay’s heroic role as a husband and father authentically proved his heart of gold. Married to Ellen Kennedy for 25 splendid years, he supported Ellen and their two daughters, Caroline and Stephanie, through countless experiences and challenges. Jay’s motivating and encouraging spirit played an integral role in Ellen accomplishing the Ironman Triathlon in 2008. His commitment to raising strong and bright daughters was impeccable, as he never missed a single volleyball game, swim meet, triathlon, or school function. Jay encompasses the true meaning of love, as he always put his family before himself, and provided them with an everlasting foundation of love and affirmation.
Jay’s spirit not only lives on through his friends and family, but through his keen and eternal passions. From the ski slopes of Colorado to the bike paths across the mid-west, Jay’s journey left an everlasting impact on the lives of many. May this Heart of a Champion forever live on.
Written with love by Steph.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to:
* Not One More Cyclist: A group dedicated to ending the cyclist-vehicle accidents on the roads today.
Chase Bank account #4011235664
* The Freewheel Foundation: Semper Fi, Wounded Warriors, providing long-term support for veterans and their families
Please scroll to the bottom of the homepage and click on “In Honor of Jay Kennedy”
* A fund setup to support his daughters Caroline and Stephanie Kennedy
Donations can be made at Bank of America, reference eekennedy@cox.net donations are linked to this email and the proper account.
Or checks can be mailed to:
Stryker Orthopaedics
c/o Jay Kennedy
9015 E. Pima Center Parkway, Suite #3
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
A celebration of Jay’s life will be held Saturday, May 16 at 2:00 p.m.
Arizona Community Church
9325 South Rural Road
Tempe, AZ 85284
480-491-2210
