News Summary
The Jacksonville community is mourning the loss of Jay Frederick Brissell, a cherished veteran and family man, who passed away at 64. Known as ‘Papa Jay,’ he served honorably in the Navy and dedicated over thirty years to the USPS. As a husband, father, and grandfather, he brought joy to many and left a legacy of kindness. Friends and family invite support through donations to local Hospice Centers in his memory, honoring a life filled with love and service.
Jacksonville Community Mourns the Loss of Beloved Veteran Jay Frederick Brissell
Jacksonville is coming together in heartfelt remembrance of a truly special individual, Jay Frederick Brissell, who passed away on May 1st at the age of 64. Known affectionately by many as Papa Jay, JB, or even JBones, Jay made a lasting impact on both his family and the wider community during his time with us.
A Life Full of Love and Service
Born on October 2, 1960, in Port Clinton, Ohio, Jay was just a child when his family moved to sunny Jacksonville, Florida. He grew up in the vibrant community, attending Englewood High School, where he formed lifelong friendships. After graduating, Jay made a selfless choice and enlisted in the United States Navy, serving his country with honor.
Though Jay faced challenges that led to a medical discharge, his dedication to serving others continued. He joined the United States Postal Service (USPS), where he worked for more than thirty years. Jay’s easy-going personality allowed him to connect with colleagues, turning many into close friends who will cherish their memories of him.
Retirement and Family Life
Upon retiring from the USPS, Jay embraced life outside of work, fully committing himself to family and other passions. His wife, Dianna Brissell, fondly remembers how he dedicated himself to completing the infamous honey-do list with a smile. Jay had a zest for life, enjoying activities such as bowling and golfing, and never missed a chance to support his beloved Florida Gators or attend Jacksonville Jaguars games—he was a dedicated season ticket holder since the team’s beginnings.
Family: His Greatest Joy
Jay was surrounded by family, being survived by his wife and three children: Tamara Nichols (Kiel), Candace Nnaji, and Dustin Morgan (Heather). He had six wonderful grandchildren who filled his life with joy: Cara Lenzi (James), Michalye Lenzi (Alexis), Kristopher Nichols, Idris Nnaji, Zaiden Nnaji as well as a grandchild on the way, Roman Creed Morgan, expected in September. The family also looks forward to welcoming a great-grandchild, Athena Majken Selvig, in October. Jay was a proud family man, and his grandchildren were at the center of his world.
A Legacy of Kindness
Jay was renowned for his easy-going nature and the ability to light up a room with his smile. His friends and family remember him as someone who made difficult times feel a bit easier through his laughter and warmth. His presence will undoubtedly be missed deeply by all who knew him.
As the community mourns, Jay’s family is incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love and support they have received during this tough time. They invite those who wish to honor his memory to consider donating to local Hospice Centers in his name or purchasing a wind chime as a tribute to the man who brought so much joy to so many.
Final Farewell
In this difficult time, it’s essential to reflect on the joy and love that Jay brought to our lives. As family and friends come together, they will celebrate the legacy of a man who served his country, dedicated himself to his family, and always found a way to bring laughter to those around him. Jay Frederick Brissell will be remembered not just for his service, but for the beautiful life he lived.
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Jay Frederick Brissell
- Wikipedia: United States Navy
- Dignity Memorial: Duane Brissell
- Google Search: Jacksonville community obituaries
- Encyclopedia Britannica: United States Postal Service
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
