Jay’s family guarded their New Testament from Russian authorities. His parents introduced him to Jesus. When Jay was 3, his father was charged with counter-revolution and sent to Siberia, where he died after 3 years’ hard labour. During those difficult years, Jay cried out to God. He later received assurance of salvation. The family fled to Poland in 1943, to Germany in 1945 with Russian tanks close behind them. They immigrated to Canada on the Acquitania, settling in Kelowna, B.C. Jay studied 4 years at Winkler (Man.) Bible Institute and completed a master of ministry at Providence Theological Seminary. At MB Bible College, Winnipeg, he met Katie. Jay pastored 11 churches in Aldergrove, Dawson Creek and Abbotsford, B.C.; Ontario; U.S.A.; and Winnipeg. He retired at 70 but, at 76, served part-time in Clearbrook MB’s German ministry. Jay enjoyed singing in the German and male choirs.
