Notice regarding Coronavirus...Read More

Plan Ahead

Scribner, Jay Donald

April 17, 1936 –
 September 11, 2021

Obituary

Jay D. Scribner passed away on Saturday, September 11, 2021, at his home in Dallas, Texas, surrounded by his four children. A father, grandfather, educator, mentor and friend to many, Jay is remembered as a loving, intelligent, down to earth soul who enjoyed a good time, and detested injustice. 

Jay was born in Ellsworth, Maine and spent time throughout his childhood in various places across the eastern part of the state, including Ellsworth, Portland, Scarborough, Eastport, Northeast Harbor and Seal Harbor before graduating high school. In fact, he personified resilience and grace, living in 15 homes throughout his childhood. The one constant was his love of learning and basketball, both of which kept him focused on staying in school and going to college. His love and value for family and community were instilled early in life, having been cared for and supported by grandparents on both sides of his family, his Aunt Bernice and Uncle Yale, and innumerable members of the MDI community through his high school years. 

In 1961, on a chance encounter, he met the love of his life, Alicia Paredes. A year later, after sustaining a long distance relationship by correspondence with Alicia and her father, he embarked on his first trip via plane, and first trip out of New England, to marry Alicia in Los Angeles in 1962. Together they lived in East Winthrop, Maine; Palo Alto and Los Angeles, CA; Boston, MA; Penn Valley, PA, Austin and Dallas Texas, always returning each summer to his favorite place on earth, Seal Harbor, Maine.

After graduating from Farmington Teachers College, Jay started his career as a teaching-principal in a three-room school house in Troy, Maine. He became a middle school principal in Auburn, ME after getting his Masters at the University of Maine, Orono. Soon after he was married and had his first child, he and his wife left Maine for Palo Alto, California where he pursued his doctorate in Education Administration at Stanford University. Jay started a career as a professor at UCLA in 1965, where he developed and secured federal funding for an innovative program that prepared leaders for urban schools in Los Angeles. During his stint at UCLA he was awarded the Alfred North Whitehead Fellowship, affording him the opportunity to study at Harvard for a year. In 1975 he was recruited to Philadelphia’s Temple University to lead the College of Education as Dean, where he led the development of programs in partnership with Philadelphia School District as well as in Nigeria and Tokyo. As an administrator and Dean, he always treated everyone with great dignity, and those he supervised in turn maintained fierce loyalties toward him.  Eventually, he moved to Texas for an endowed professorship at UT Austin in 1989. Throughout his entire career, he made a mark at these institutions locally and abroad aimed at diversifying the leadership ranks in education and improving conditions for underserved student populations. In doing so, he mentored students across the country and beyond who themselves make a difference as leaders in the field of education.

But, beyond a remarkable career, he was most at home in Seal Harbor, Maine, enjoying time with family and friends on his boat, “Seabbatical,” telling stories of his ancestors who were among the carpenters, home laundry and service staff to the families who summered on the island. He loved playing golf, watching old westerns and action movies, and for the last 35 years of his life had become a prolific artist, gifting his work to family and friends. His favorite subject matter were his grandchildren, Maine landscapes, Texas cowboy scenes, and Mexican farm workers – all reflections of what he loved in this world. 

Jay will be remembered by his children, Jay (Karen), Kent (Suleyka), Samantha and Connie (Ryan Shultz), grandchildren Pierce, Bo, Julian, Jacqueline, Sophia, Harper, and Everett, and his step-grandchildren, Peyton, Carson, Giovanni and Santino. He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Alicia, parents Jay and Dorothy, brother Henry, his Aunt Bernice and Uncle Yale Pierce, and his parents-in-law, Luis and Consuelo Paredes. 

A memorial service for Jay will be held on Mount Desert Island on June 23, 2022, with the burial of Jay’s and his wife, Alicia’s, cremated remains immediately following at the Seal Harbor Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a donation by check, with a notation that it is in memory of Jay D. Scribner, to the Northeast Harbor Library, 1 Joy Road, PO Box 279, Northeast Harbor, Maine 04662-0279.

Please leave the family condolences and share memories on this website.  

Arrangements under the direction of:

Aria Cremation Service and Funeral Home

19310 Preston Road

Dallas, Texas 75252

(214) 306-6700

    Richard & Evelyn Shibles
    16 Sep 2021
    6:41am

    Our sympathies on Jays passing. He achieved much from humble beginnings. We will miss him.

    Alan Shoho
    16 Sep 2021
    1:30pm

    I will miss Jay, but I know he is with his beloved Alicia now and they are happy together.

    Bobi Morrow
    16 Sep 2021
    5:28pm

    I am so sorry to learn of your father’s passing. He was my cousin as his mother and my farther were siblings. I didn’t really get to know him until I was 14 and spent the summer at Aunt Bernice’s home because she got me a job on the island for the summer. He was older than me but we spent many nights talking on the phone from his slow job at the local movie theater. We sorta kept in touch over the years but had a grand reunion when he and Alicia came for a wonderful visit. He reminded me of how he’d watch out for me at the local dances and I suspected he was as he circled around a lot. I loved his stories. We had a bond and I’m thrilled to have spent time with him. He was so proud of his family and shared pictures and stories. He did have a difficult childhood and I am blown away with his success. May he be blessed with Alicia on the other side snd I look forward to seeing them both again one day. Blessings to his family and I feel cheated that I never got to meet any of you. May God bless you all in your loss.

    Mercy Fernandez
    16 Sep 2021
    6:40pm

    Knowing Jay and Alicia was a pleasure not only because they were smart and humble but because they felt like family from day one. I have miss Alicia and I will miss Jay as much. My love to all the family and hope of memories of them will transform this time of sorrow into a celebration of life.

    Gerardo R. Lopez
    16 Sep 2021
    7:41pm

    A lovely tribute to a beautiful man who dedicated his life to making the world a better place. He will be missed.

    The Burrs
    16 Sep 2021
    9:27pm

    He lead a meaningful life and never boasted . His memory will live on in our family.. We are sending deep sympathy.

    Shawn & Ray Culver Williams
    16 Sep 2021
    10:05pm

    Dr. Jay was an icon of our family and the living embodiment of tolerance, acceptance, love and humor. He will forever live on in our hearts and his impact will forever live on through his family.

    Natalia Rico Hernández
    16 Sep 2021
    10:07pm

    I was so fortunate to have had Dr. Scribner as a teacher and mentor as a Master’s student at UT. That experience coincided with my good fortune of having Sam as a friend and also getting to know Dr. Alicia Scriber. Both made such an impact on my life as an educator. Please know Jay’s legacy lives in all of us who learned from him. My condolences to your beautiful family. Peace be with you.

    Donna edwards
    17 Sep 2021
    3:49am

    God bless everyone and my Dean friend.

    Debra Cantu
    17 Sep 2021
    1:43pm

    Dear Family,
    I was fortunate to have Dr. Scribner as my mentor, advisor and field supervisor and have fond memories of him visiting me at my school district. When he walked into a principal meeting, everyone circled around him to say hello, as he was well respected and admired. I was a principal intern and he encouraged me to apply for a grant, present at a national conference and apply for my doctorate. He inspired me and motivated me to develop life goals. I have wonderful memories seeing Dr. Scribner and his wife often at St. Mary’s Cathedral. I was very touched when he reached out to me this past year to congratulate me on an accomplishment at work. He was such a thoughtful mentor, and I will miss him. I am sending love and prayers to his family.

    Cindy Reed
    17 Sep 2021
    9:36pm

    My deepest condolences to the family. Jay improved so many lives just by knowing him. He will be missed but his legacy will live on for eternity.

    Elvira Isabel Zuazo Legido
    20 Sep 2021
    12:33pm

    Alicia and Jay were extra special people. Hope your beautiful memories always bring a smile to your faces, as well as some peace at this difficult time! My parents also send their love.

    Rosalie R. Rodriguez
    21 Sep 2021
    6:38pm

    My deepest sympathies to the family.
    TU/COE

    Henri L. Simpson, Ph.D. and Family
    21 Sep 2021
    9:14pm

    September 21, 2021
    I remember Dr. Scribner as the brilliant and celebrity-like professor who inspired me and countless others with his genius and his encouragement for us to be both innovative and provocative in our arduous research and delivery. He empowered, energized, and equipped us (doctoral candidates) with skill sets to ignite our own ingenuity as a cadre of leaders and accomplished educational clinicians.
    I will always remember his impact.
    Thank you, Dr. Scribner.
    To the Scribner Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you in these moments of sorrow and great loss. What is comforting is knowing that Dr. Scribner left you wealthy with treasures of memories and deeds shared with you- his loved ones.

    Andrew Glassford
    22 Sep 2021
    10:04pm

    We are all so very lucky to have had Dr. Scribner in our lives. I think of him quite often and can hear his voice as I type this note. He touched so many lives, including mine, in his lifelong commitment to education and compassion to others, especially to his family, students and community. We miss you already Dr. J.

    Debbie & Fred Bloom
    25 Sep 2021
    3:30pm

    Fred and I are so sorry to learn of Jay’s passing. He was truly a great friend and we miss him dearly. We hope to see you next June. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

    Teretta Terrell Thomas
    2 Oct 2021
    4:03pm

    Jay, Alesia, and their families became so important to my life as a young wife, mother and educational leader with the Los Angeles Unified School District. My family and I loved them dearly and we joyed in our relationship with them and their extended family in Spain. Jay, may the Peace of Christ Be With your soul. I will see you both later. Love you!

    Portia Hunt
    9 Oct 2021
    10:44am

    Condolences to the Scribner family. Your was a trailblazer in education and supporting social justice for underserved populations. I will miss his wonderful sense of humor and his deep compassion for humanity. Portia Hunt

    Kim Corak
    11 Oct 2021
    3:00pm

    Our deepest sympathies on Jay’s passing. We will always treasure our talks when he was visiting Tempe. All our love,The Coraks

    William Cutler
    27 Oct 2021
    7:20pm

    I will remember Jay for his impish grin and infectious laugh. They often flashed across his face when he was the leader of Temple’s College of Education. They helped everyone working in the college at that time get through a turbulent period in the university’s history. May he rest in peace.

    Debbie Posmontier
    27 Oct 2021
    9:41pm

    My deepest sympathy to the Scribner family. I had the privilege to work with Alicia when they lived in the Philadelphia area. She and Jay were so gracious and kind to me as a young teacher. We had stayed in touch through the years and I will miss that connection deeply.
    With affection,
    Debbie Jasner Posmontier

    Lori Thompson
    28 Oct 2021
    10:37am

    I remember working in the Dean’s Office at Temple in the 80’s for Dean Scribner. He would stop in my office to say hello. He truly was an awesome leader. Sending my condolence to his family.

    Maria Mercedes Pabon
    28 Oct 2021
    9:59pm

    May he rest in peace with his beloved Alicia. What a wonderful couple! What amazing parents to four incredible persons and every bit as loving grandparents! I will always remember them both fondly. Thanks for your lovely, welcoming selves!

    Larry Krafft
    29 Oct 2021
    11:10pm

    Jay influenced me, and many. He encouraged, allowed, often enabled us to reach and try to create a more compassionate, equitable and loving world. With Alicia, he leaves an enduring legacy through their personal, and professional endeavors, and their family.

Leave A Condolence

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Testimonials

R. Driver
Read More
"Excellent customer service, they made you feel like you were their only customer. Very helpful and explained what we should expect during the process. They basically took care of our needs during this time. They contacted DFW National Cemetery for us which made it a smooth experience. Definitely will use them again."
K. Barker
Read More
"I was amazed how professional the team at Aria Funeral Preston Dallas Texas are. They guided me through the process and my options of their services that they offered for my mother. They are compassionate, caring, calm, good listener, efficient and did an excellent job! Thank you!"
R. Woll
Read More
"If I could give 6 stars I would. Aria made a difficult easier to deal with by basically taking care of everything in an efficient but very empathetic manner. I can speak highly enough of Dusty Martin, who helped us with all of the planning and logistics. He was incredibly understanding and helpful."
Angel M.
Read More
"Nothing prepares you for the grief you go through when losing a child. I called this funeral home at 2:00 am broken and could barely talk. The amount of compassion and empathy they showed me immediately let me know I found the right place to cremate my son. I cannot thank them enough for their professionalism, SINCERE concern, and commitment to making sure my son was honored in the most respectful way. I hope this Funeral home values her as much as my family and I do."
McGee Family
Read More
"Wayne and Staff, thank you for taking care of the arrangements for our mom, Exter McGee and our dad, Philip McGee. You have been great to work with during such a difficult time."
Elledge Family
Elledge Family
Read More
"On behalf of my family, I wanted you to know how much we appreciate your handling of my husband's final arrangements. Wayne Baxter assisted & guided us through the entire process with such care & compassion. Don't know what we would have done without him! Sincerely, Colleen Elledge"
The Peterson Family
The Peterson FamilyYelp! Review - Northwest Highway 5-Stars
Read More
"I can’t say enough about how helpful and professional Dusty Martin, the funeral director at the Aria Cremation location on NW Highway has been. From my initial call, he was kind and informative. My friend died at home while on hospice and she was picked up in about an hour after receiving the call from the hospice nurse. The person who arrived to pick her up was also very professional/respectful and allowed us to take as much time with her as we wished. When I met with Dusty the next day about arrangements, he explained the process and options available without being pushy or trying to “sell” extras. Throughout the process, he kept me informed and, for example, was careful to be certain I understood the cost of the obituary I wanted and offered some options for reducing that cost if I wished. When I stopped by for another reason and started talking about some of the problems I was having with the pictures and media I hoped to use at a memorial lunch I was planning, he not only listened patiently but offered technology advice and let me use his personal media player. I have had experience arranging cremations for four others using two other local companies, and this experience with Dusty at Aria has been by far the best one I have had."
Paula Barnes
Paula BarnesGoogle Review
Read More
"My Daddy’s service and our family experience at Aria Northwest Highway was truly blessed. Funeral Director Dustin Martin is the kind of person that you would like to see on a more regular basis – but in his industry – you hope to not see him that often. That being said – THANK YOU DUSTIN for your unending kindness, compassion and friendship through the process. Meeting you and discussing Dallas History, Find A Grave and my Dad’s lifelong contributions to the great City of Dallas was simply wonderful! In memory of my dad James A. Dodd, Sr. – I want to personally thank you and let you know that you made everything better in that moment. Your calling to “Be There” is spot on. Aria has a one in a million guy in you! Bling Blinky of TEXAS Shout Out: God Bless You!!"
Previous
Next

Get In Touch

Locations

Immediate Attention

Contact Us

Preston Road

“George Bush at Preston”

Aria - Northwest Highway

“5 Miles East of Hillcrest Memorial Park / Lake Highlands”

Funeral Homes Irving Tx: Aria Cremation

“Belt Line Road at 183”

Fannin Memorial Gardens

Veterans Funeral Services

Darst Funeral Home

Search Obituaries

Search

Important Information

  1. If death has occurred and or is imminent, please call the Aria location nearest you.

    PRESTON ROAD
    214.306.6700

    NORTHWEST HIGHWAY
    214.340.8008

    BELTLINE ROAD
    972.607.4400

  2. Click here to Download the Cremation Forms.
  3. Have the cremation authorization form notarized
  4. Fax the forms back to us at:
    • NW Highway
      214-340-8009
    • Preston Rd.
      972-526-7410
    • Belt Line Rd.
      972-573-1008
 

Additional Information