Jay W. Burris

Jay W. Burris, 73, of Meadville, escaped his earthy bonds and went Home to be with his Savior on Friday, April 11, 2014, at St. Vincent Health System, Erie.

Jay was born in Oil City, on January 10, 1941, a son of the late Carl W. and Marion E. (Ross) Burris.

On February 2, 1972 Jay married Katherine G. Schuck; she survives.

He was a member of Church of the Nazarene, Meadville.

Jay was employed by Advance Auto Parts. During his 15 years of employment there, he was actively involved in their Sneaker Sales Campaign which, nationwide, raised millions of dollars for the Juvenile Diabetes Research. Jay was responsible for raising over $25, 000 for this worthy cause, placing him among the national leaders of sneaker sales. Jay was previously employed by the former American Viscose as a rigger. A veteran of the Korean Conflict, Jay entered the US Army on November 4, 1958 and served until his honorable discharge on February 9, 1962. Most of his service took place in Germany where he was awarded numerous medals for his skills as a sharp shooter. Jay attended schools in Oil City and in the early 1980s earned his GED. An avid outdoors man, Jay enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening as well as bowling in in a league.

In addition to his wife, Katherine, of 42 years, Jay is survived by seven children John Bishop and his wife Joyce of Springboro, Susan Shiner and her husband James of Cleveland, OH, Richard Burris of Meadville, Joseph Burris and his wife Kim of Winchester, VA, Valerie Lord and her husband Kenneth R. of Meadville, Pamela Burris of Winchester, VA, Laura Petrak and her husband Darren of Dearborn, MI, ten grandchildren Joel Bishop, Jeff Bishop, Jenna Bish, Joshua Lord, Benjamin Lord, Zach Burris, Megan Burris, Rachel Burris, Shannon Harley, Alicia Summerfield, four great grandchildren, one niece and one nephew.

In addition to his parents, Jay was preceded in death by a brother Dale Burris, a sister Judith Baker, his step mothers Martha Stover who raised him, and Grace Mohnkern whom he dearly loved.

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday from5-7 at Stephen P. Mizner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 404 Chestnut St., Meadville and on Thursday from 10-11 at Church of the Nazarene, 851 Washington St., Meadville, where, following Military Honors by VFW Post #2006, Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, with Rev. Rodney A. Johnson, Pastor, officiating.

Interment will take place in Spring Cemetery, Springboro.

Memorial contributions may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research, 2816 Elmwood Street, Erie, PA 16508.

Share your condolences at www.miznerfuneralhome.com