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
Jay was one of the reps I inherited when Stryker acquired Howmedica in the end of 1998. It was clear at that time that he was a team player who never got caught up in the drama or politics during what was a stressful time especially for those in Howmedica. Information was sparse and it was easy for reps to get caught up in negativity and suspicion, but not Jay. While others conspired to undermine leadership and usurp authority, Jay had none of it. He was a class act throughout and always maintained a positive attitude in the presence of uncertainty. He led his life the same way by always focusing on the good things and not letting others drag him into negativity.
Jay was loyal to the core. In an industry where reps are in great demand and competitors are swift to induce them to switch companies for a bigger and better deal, to Jay it wasn’t all about the money. He was part of something larger than himself and he wasn’t swayed by other companies attempts. He stayed the course.
This tragedy reminds us that people are more precious than things and we need to continually nurture our relationships with family and friends. We never know if we’ll have a tomorrow to tell them how much they mean to us. Jay’s passing leaves a hole in many lives that won’t be filled. He will not be forgotten.
Jay was one of the reps I inherited when Stryker acquired Howmedica in the end of 1998. It was clear at that time that he was a team player who never got caught up in the drama or politics during what was a stressful time especially for those in Howmedica. Information was sparse and it was easy for reps to get caught up in negativity and suspicion, but not Jay. While others conspired to undermine leadership and usurp authority, Jay had none of it. He was a class act throughout and always maintained a positive attitude in the presence of uncertainty. He led his life the same way by always focusing on the good things and not letting others drag him into negativity.
Jay was loyal to the core. In an industry where reps are in great demand and competitors are swift to induce them to switch companies for a bigger and better deal, to Jay it wasn’t all about the money. He was part of something larger than himself and he wasn’t swayed by other companies attempts. He stayed the course.
This tragedy reminds us that people are more precious than things and we need to continually nurture our relationships with family and friends. We never know if we’ll have a tomorrow to tell them how much they mean to us. Jay’s passing leaves a hole in many lives that won’t be filled. He will not be forgotten.
Jay was one of the reps I inherited when Stryker acquired Howmedica in the end of 1998. It was clear at that time that he was a team player who never got caught up in the drama or politics during what was a stressful time especially for those in Howmedica. Information was sparse and it was easy for reps to get caught up in negativity and suspicion, but not Jay. While others conspired to undermine leadership and usurp authority, Jay had none of it. He was a class act throughout and always maintained a positive attitude in the presence of uncertainty. He led his life the same way by always focusing on the good things and not letting others drag him into negativity.
Jay was loyal to the core. In an industry where reps are in great demand and competitors are swift to induce them to switch companies for a bigger and better deal, to Jay it wasn’t all about the money. He was part of something larger than himself and he wasn’t swayed by other companies attempts. He stayed the course.
This tragedy reminds us that people are more precious than things and we need to continually nurture our relationships with family and friends. We never know if we’ll have a tomorrow to tell them how much they mean to us. Jay’s passing leaves a hole in many lives that won’t be filled. He will not be forgotten.
Thank you for your lovely tribute.
Love,
Ellen, Caroline and Steph
Thank you for your lovely tribute.
Love,
Ellen, Caroline and Steph
Thank you for your lovely tribute.
Love,
Ellen, Caroline and Steph
Jay Kennedy was a great man and one of the best reps I had the honor of working with. I can recall spending many long days and long nights in surgery with Jay back in the day. The fun times we had made the long work days much more enjoyable. Jay was always smiling and seemed happy to be there even after a 14 hour day.
I was one of the fortunate ones that got to meet Jays family on a couple of occasions and got to see what meant the most to him. Over the years I did not get to see Jay as often as I use to. However, I never forgot my friend. Jay was truly a great man. He will be missed greatly.
Your friend,
Eric V. Mead
Jay Kennedy was a great man and one of the best reps I had the honor of working with. I can recall spending many long days and long nights in surgery with Jay back in the day. The fun times we had made the long work days much more enjoyable. Jay was always smiling and seemed happy to be there even after a 14 hour day.
I was one of the fortunate ones that got to meet Jays family on a couple of occasions and got to see what meant the most to him. Over the years I did not get to see Jay as often as I use to. However, I never forgot my friend. Jay was truly a great man. He will be missed greatly.
Your friend,
Eric V. Mead
Jay Kennedy was a great man and one of the best reps I had the honor of working with. I can recall spending many long days and long nights in surgery with Jay back in the day. The fun times we had made the long work days much more enjoyable. Jay was always smiling and seemed happy to be there even after a 14 hour day.
I was one of the fortunate ones that got to meet Jays family on a couple of occasions and got to see what meant the most to him. Over the years I did not get to see Jay as often as I use to. However, I never forgot my friend. Jay was truly a great man. He will be missed greatly.
Your friend,
Eric V. Mead