Jay Williamson

Jay “Jay Mate” Edward Williamson, 53, devoted husband and loving father, passed away in Melbourne Australia, on January 31, 2017, after a lengthy illness with diabetes. Jay was born in Werribee, Victoria, Australia, on September 25, 1963. As a child, Jay grew up in Mandurah, Western Australia and later moved to Perth.

Jay had many stories of Australia that he often shared with friends and co-workers. He loved telling people about his different adventures he had in the Outback. He really enjoyed talking about the time he spent working in the Argyle Diamond Mine where he had countless stories about his job and the experiences. Working in that environment laid the groundwork for his work ethic and perseverance.

In 1992, Jay came to America on a Contiki Tour. The tour made numerous stops at different locations in the US. While on this tour, Jay met his wife Erin and it was love at first sight. After two years of a long distance relationship, they married in 1994 and she moved to Perth. Over the next few years their family grew with three wonderful children, which were the light of his eye.

Jay loved to work on cars. He had several Ford Mustangs that he enjoyed working on in his spare time. He loved Vegemite sandwiches, which he ate often, and most of all he enjoyed the time spent with family.

In 2001, Jay and Erin made the decision to leave Australia and move to Orange Park, Florida to be near her family. About a year later while still adjusting to his new way of life, Jay’s neighbor befriended him with a job offer. He went to work as a mortuary transportation driver that assisted multiple funeral homes in the Jacksonville area with transporting their deceased. Little did Jay know that this would be his calling. Jay worked with thousands of families over the years, assisting them during their most difficult times. Jay treated every family as if they were his own. Everyday, Jay set aside his personal life to offer his kindness and compassion to those in need. This never waivered in all the years he worked in the funeral business. He was well received in the community because of his personality and his strong Australian accent to boot. Those who knew him enjoyed his pronunciation of certain words which often made them laugh.

Jay put others needs before his own. His sacrifices were endless and he did this with a selfless attitude. Jay was a very humble, kind hearted, and loyal person. It showed in every aspect of his life. Anyone that knew him would tell you he was the finest and hardest working person they knew. He seemed invincible, always on the go, and never slowing down.

In 2008, Florida Times Union did a front-page article on the day-to-day operations of the mortuary transport service industry. This article featured Jay and his perspective on this aspect of the funeral business. They spent the day with Jay observing him and getting a first hand look into the business. Jay talked in detail about the day-to-day operations of what his job required of him. He loved what he did and it came natural to him because of his caring and giving nature.

Unfortunately, Jay’s health started to decline at the end of 2015. By the summer of 2016, his health had worsened to the point that he had to stop working, which was devastating to him. As a result, Jay and his family decided it was time to move back to his homeland to be near his family. Over the next six months his health continued to deteriorate and in December of 2016, Jay had a stroke, which he never recovered from.

There are many people that you meet in life but few ever make an impact in the lives of others like he did. Some have said they are a better person for knowing and working with him while others have said they were honored to call him their friend. Words cannot express the joy he brought to so many people and the comfort he gave to all the families he helped during their time of loss. Though his work is done on this earth, his legacy will live on. Jay Mate will be greatly missed and remembered by everyone who knew and loved him.

Jay was preceded in death by his mother. He is survived by his wife, Erin; three children, Madison, Connor, and Haley; his father, one brother, three sisters, and countless friends and extended family.

Jay’s wishes of being cremated have been honored. A GoFundMe account has been created to help his wife and children, with their college and family living expenses. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to honor this incredible man at  https://www.gofundme.com/jay-williamson-memorial-fund.