James ‘Jay’ Witemyre

James ‘Jay’ Witemyre passed peacefully at home on April 27, 2024 at the age of 61, after a long battle with melanoma.

Born to June and Bud Witemyre of Fort Mitchell, KY, he lived a full life, graduating from St. Agnes and Covington Catholic High School. From a young age, Jay was fascinated by aviation. With the ultimate goal of a career in aerospace, Jay went on to study Mechanical Engineering at University of Kentucky, where he would graduate as Valedictorian, make lifelong friends, and meet his wife, Karen.

Jay went on to build a successful career with GE Aviation, beginning as an entry-level engineer, and retiring as Senior Director of Sales. Over his 35-year professional career he was able to explore the world, traveling and making friends in many countries. Despite his early success as an engineer, Jay never stopped honing his professional development. He completed an MBA from Xavier University, was awarded a Six Sigma Black Belt in the field of engineering, and was issued a patent for his advancements in the insulation systems of airplane fuel tanks.

Jay knew there was more to life than work; he was an avid golfer, a fan of the Reds and Bengals, and loved just sharing a beer with friends. He was known to have a smile on his face, and have a whole room laughing with his elaborate jokes. Jay had the gift of being able to hold a sincere conversation with anyone; perhaps this came from his background in sales, but it was more likely his genuine heart.

Jay was diagnosed with advanced melanoma in 2017; despite the graveness of his prognosis, Jay’s motivation to continue to enjoy life to the fullest would lead him across the world in search of the best medical care. He supported in his journey by wonderful care teams from UCLA to Memorial Sloan Kettering (NYC), and Sheba Medical Center (Tel Aviv, Israel). Many experts in the field expressed how incredible it was that Jay survived and thrived so long with such an aggressive cancer. During his final months his time was spent at home surrounded by family, old work colleagues, and friends, watching sports, sharing memories, and laughing about old stories. His family will always the treasure this time together.

Jay was a loving husband to Karen, his wife of 35 years, and to his children Ryan and Kristi, and his son-in-law William, whom he loved as a son. He is also survived by his brothers Jeff (Anne) and Edward (Patricia), his father-in-law Gerald Meagher, his brother-in-law Jerry (Nedda), many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and the family pup, Coco.

Family and friends are invited to attend Jay’s visitation and Mass of Christian Burial & Celebration of Life at Blessed Sacrament Church, 2409 Dixie Highway, Fort Mitchell, KY 41017, on Friday, May 3, 2024. Visitation will be held from 11am to 12pm with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow immediately at 12pm. Jay will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ft. Mitchell.

If you wish to make a donation in honor of Jay, please consider donating to the Melanoma Research Foundation (melanoma.org). Online condolences can be left at www.LinnemannFuneralHomes.com.