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Armstrong, James R.

March 20, 1948 –
 May 1, 2015

Obituary

Jay was born on March 20, 1948 in Dallas, Texas and passed away on May 1, 2015 in Dallas, Texas.

He was a loving father, husband, and friend.

Jay dedicated his career not only to educating children of the independent school districts of Dallas and Richardson, but also served as the executive director of human resources for RISD.

Jay is preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Martha Armstrong.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy; son, Blake; sister, Linda Reed; and numerous other family members and friends.

A Rosary will be held at 2pm on Tuesday May 5, 2015 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 9635 Ferndale Rd, Dallas, TX 75238; a Mass will follow at 2:30pm.  Following the service there will be a reception for family and friends.

Memorials may be made to the Jesuit College Preparatory Scholarship Fund.

    Vanessa Perry
    2 May 2015
    7:17am

    Kathy and Blake,
    I will miss Jay’s GREAT smile and sense of humor!!!
    Words fail to express my sadness and grief. My prayers for God’s sustaining grace are with you. Wishing you strength and hope.
    Vanessa Perry

    Abiel Garza
    2 May 2015
    12:33pm

    Kathy,

    I am so so sorry, Jay was one hell of a man.

    Garza

    Gene and Jayne Ann Sadler
    2 May 2015
    6:40pm

    Dear Kathy and Blake,
    We are so very sorry for your loss. Jay was a character unlike any other. He always brought happiness and a smile to those around him. You are in our thoughts and prayers. With our deepest sympathy and fondest of memories, Gene and Jayne Ann

    Barry and Teresa Carpenter
    2 May 2015
    10:29pm

    We are praying for Kathy and Blake that the Lord will wrap his loving arms around them and give them comfort.

    Elena Basurto
    3 May 2015
    7:52am

    May he rest in peace.

    Linda Bass
    3 May 2015
    8:31am

    Sincere condolences on your loss. I will miss Jay’s smile, his laugh and his wonderful sense of humor. He truly made a difference in the lives of the people he served. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Linda Bass

    Cindy Moore
    3 May 2015
    9:54am

    Dear Kathy and Blake – I am so very sorry for your loss. Jay was such a joy to chat with around town. We will miss him. I am praying for you all.
    God bless,
    Cindy

    Bob Green
    3 May 2015
    9:54am

    Jay was one of the good guys. He truly made the world a better place with his kindness, friendly demeanor and big smile. He left us way too soon. The world won’t quite be the same without him. It’s comforting to know that he’s looking out for all of us from up above.

    The Weinberger Family
    3 May 2015
    10:04am

    Dearest Kathy, Blake and family,

    May the loving memories of Jay’s gifts and talents be a comfort to you in this difficult time. All our love and prayers.

    Debbie Blair
    3 May 2015
    11:55am

    I have so many wonderful memories of Jay. He will be missed greatly but I will think of him often with a smile:) My sympathies to Kathy, Blake & Linda. Debbie Blair

    Amy and Joe Martin
    3 May 2015
    12:55pm

    Kathy,

    We are so incredibly sorry for your loss. We will miss seeing jay and his laughter could brighten any room. You all are and will be in our prayers.
    Much ove,
    Amy and Joe

    Karen Pearce Smith
    3 May 2015
    1:55pm

    Kathy and Blake, my sincere sympathy to you both! Jay was one in a million and had as many friends! Such a sweet soul! He was a good friend to all his friends and brought such joy and laughter! God keep your both in the center of His will and bring your peace and comfort!

    Diana Zimring
    3 May 2015
    4:15pm

    This was such a shock to all. Above all, he was a good man and will be missed.

    Ralph and Molly Curl
    3 May 2015
    6:09pm

    Kathy and Blake
    we are so sorry for your loss, we will always be greatful to Jay for the help he gave us when our niece came to live with us in the middle of the school year, Also all the basketball games when the boys were young. He will be missed.

    Linda Sockwell
    3 May 2015
    8:25pm

    Dear Kathy & Blake,
    Jay was a wonderful man. I always looked forward to visiting with him anytime I saw him around RISD. His zest for life was unwavering. I pray for peace & Gods healing as u walk through these dark days. I know from experience that God will walk with u as will the prayers, love & support of family & friends help to carry u through. With deepest sympathy!!!

    Brad and Sally Siewert
    3 May 2015
    8:52pm

    Kathy and Blake,
    Sally and I want you to know that your family holds a very special place in our hearts. Our most sincere sympathies go out to you. The world has lost a very special man. May God be with you and help you heal.

    Linda Holyfield Sleeper
    3 May 2015
    9:05pm

    So many happy memories with Jay starting in the 8th grade. Holding the family in prayer for healing and strength. Love and blessings, Linda Holyfield Sleeper

    Linda & David Eckel
    3 May 2015
    10:44pm

    Kathy & Blake,
    Jay was such a treasure & touched so many lives.
    There just are not enough words to express the depth of our sadness. You are in our thoughts & prayers. May God be with you, giving you strength and helping you find peace and comfort.
    With our most deepest sympathy,
    Linda, David & Cammy

    Cindy Terrell
    3 May 2015
    11:32pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss. Jay was such a friendly guy, always ready to chat whether at the pool or at Mi Cocina! He will be missed.

    Sunset Class of 1965
    4 May 2015
    12:09am

    The Sunset Class of 1965 offers deepest sympathies to family and friends of Jay. RIP friend.

    Steve and Kathy Pruss
    4 May 2015
    8:04am

    Kathy and Blake,

    You are both in our thoughts. May your many loving memories help you through this difficult time.

    Jill Walsh
    4 May 2015
    9:07am

    Kathy, I am so tremendously sorry for your loss. I can remember you telling me some funny stories about Jay and Blake and hope those memories bring you comfort. May God bless you and Blake and surround you with love and peace.

    Cathy Edwards
    4 May 2015
    9:58am

    Kathy and Blake

    I am so sorry for your loss! Jay was such a great person. He will be missed!

    Cathy Edwards

    Rita Roberts Bajari
    4 May 2015
    10:02am

    Kathy and Blake,
    My sincere sympathy to you and your family during this most difficult time of grief. My prayers are with you.
    Sincerely,
    Rita Roberts

    Robin Scott
    4 May 2015
    10:16am

    Kathy and Blake –
    I am so sorry for your loss. Jay was such a great man. He always treated everyone with such respect and had the greatest smile. I know your wonderful memories will help you through this loss.

    Chris and Kathe Daniel
    4 May 2015
    11:26am

    Dear Kathy and Blake we are so sorry for your loss. May you both feel God’s grace and Jay’s smile on you always. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.

    Tara Murphy
    4 May 2015
    11:32am

    Dear Kathy–I am so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for your family at this difficult time. “God is close to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit” that verse has sustained me many times, I hope it can comfort you a bit.

    Chris and Kathe Daniel
    4 May 2015
    11:35am

    Dear Kathy and Blake we are so sorry for your loss. May you always feel God’s grace and Jay’s smile on you. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you both.

    MK (Funk) Werner
    4 May 2015
    12:44pm

    Kathy – My heart hurts for you!!! I am unable to make the service tomorrow, but after things settle down a little bit, let’s get together with Peggy and enjoy some girl time and sharing memories together! I am just down the street in Plano. Prayers for you and your family in the coming days.

    Ann and Mike Stodolka
    4 May 2015
    2:27pm

    Kathy and Blake,
    We are so sorry to hear of Jay’s passing. You are all in our prayers. May Go bless you and give you comfort as you grieve the loss of Jay.
    Ann & Mike

    Cheryl S. Arendsz
    4 May 2015
    3:03pm

    Kath, Blake,

    Please accept our most sincere sympathy with the passing of Jay. May God grant you comfort during these difficult days.

    Family Arendsz and Do Nascimento
    Aruba

    Jonathan Griffin
    4 May 2015
    3:03pm

    My condolences to the Armstrong family. I am sadden by the news of Mr. Armstrongs passing. He was influential in my life as my 7th and 8th grade Art teacher and mentor. I am glad I got to reconnect via Facebook. Rest in Peace Mr. Armstrong. Prayers to the family..
    OW Holmes
    Class of 83

    Nadine (Pinke) Flander
    4 May 2015
    4:21pm

    Kathy and Blake, I only saw Jay at a couple of family celebrations so I can’t say I knew him. What I do know, however, is how it feels to lose a husband. I am praying for you both. I promise the heartache will go away with time but you will always love and miss him.

    Mike and Nancy Prenatt
    4 May 2015
    5:11pm

    Kathy and Blake,
    Mike and I were so sorry to hear about the sudden death of Jay. We know you have a giant hole in your life. We pray that the peace that passes understanding will wash over you both giving you comfort. We send our love .
    Mike and Nancy Prenatt

    Melanie and Michael Lucido
    4 May 2015
    5:44pm

    Kathy and Blake,
    We will always remember Jay’s smile and his willingness to help out. He has touched many lives, he will be missed so much. Our prayers are with both of you.

    Lori Brigden (Baker)
    4 May 2015
    5:56pm

    Jay’s passion for education surpasses many I know. He looked forward and with hope in all I ever witnessed him doing. Jay encouraged me in my own teaching career and aspirations. I also know he loved his wife and son beyond all. God speed, Jay. Prayers for peace and grace to Kathy and Blake.

    Julie Cook Coe
    4 May 2015
    9:11pm

    Kathy and Blake,

    I’m so sorry for your loss. May good memories carry you through this difficult time. I wish you both peace.

    Take Care-
    Julie Coe

    Jackie Tschida Punch
    4 May 2015
    9:34pm

    Kathy, I was so very sorry to hear about your husband’s passing. May you find peace in your memories.

    Jackie

    Sarah Farley
    4 May 2015
    10:14pm

    Dear Kathy,
    I am so sorry for your loss. God’s blessing be with you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
    Sarah Farley

    Ann Sansone
    4 May 2015
    11:24pm

    Kathy and Blake,
    Thoughts and prayers for comfort, peace, and hope. Jay was such a happy, fun-loving, kind and just all around good guy. My sincere condolences.

    Ellen Lippert-Zmyslo
    5 May 2015
    5:42am

    Hi Kathy, I am so sorry to hear this news. I too, lost my wonderful husband in 08/11 and Mary (Donahue) Booraas lost her husband in 2012. I hope that you are doing well during this difficult time.

    Debra and Austin Caudill
    5 May 2015
    9:41am

    Kathy and Blake,
    Austin and I are so sorry for your loss. We have many great memories of the boys growing up together. Jay was a great man and he will be truly missed. We will always remember last year’s Texas/OU game when we reconnected. You are in our thoughts and prayers. With our deepest sympathy and wonderful memories. Debra & Austin

    JOY (WORSHAM) LUCAS
    5 May 2015
    10:47am

    There are no words . . . you know how much we love you all, Joy & Jim

    Tom and Donna McDonald
    5 May 2015
    12:01pm

    Kathy and Blake:
    We are so sorry for your sudden loss. He was a good man, good husband, and good father! Our thoughts and prayers are with you both.

    Priscilla Stuart
    5 May 2015
    12:16pm

    Kathy and Blake,
    We were so saddened to hear of Jay’s passing. He was a great man and we will miss him. Our prayers are with you. God Bless.

    Priscilla, Sarah and Nathan

    Mary LePage
    5 May 2015
    1:05pm

    Kathy and Blake,
    I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God comfort you during this difficult time.
    Mary LePage

    MK (Funk) Werner
    5 May 2015
    1:27pm

    Dear Kathy – I am so sorry for your loss. After you have had some time, I would love to get together with you and Peggy for some girl time and sharing of memories. You are in my prayers!

    Linda Weiler
    5 May 2015
    5:30pm

    Kathy, I really enjoyed meeting you and Jay through Eileen and Barbara at the neighborhood gatherings. I am in Houston and couldn’t make it to the service, but I want you to know how sad I feel about Jay’s passing. I am so sorry, and my thoughts are with you. Linda

    Nancy Mcgaughey
    5 May 2015
    10:19pm

    Kathy and Blake….I m so sorry to hear of your Husband and Dads sudden passing. May you find peace and comfort in the difficult days ahead by sharing memories and stories of your time together….Nancy McGaughey

    Ruth Johnson
    7 May 2015
    2:08pm

    My sincere sympathy on your loss. Keeping you in my prayers. Keep your spirits up. Ruth Johnson

    Grace Holmen
    11 May 2015
    3:11pm

    Kathy and Blake,
    I am so sorry to hear of Jay’s passing. He will be greatly missed.
    May Jesus take you by the hand and help you find relief throughout this time of sadness as you journey through your grief. And may you feel the healing touch of every thought and prayer that’s sent with love and sympathy from family and friends who truly care.
    Grace

    Shawne Costello
    18 May 2015
    1:28pm

    Kathy,
    I am so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. I will keep you and Blake in my prayers.

    Mary Rossini Brandt
    17 Jun 2015
    11:50pm

    Dearest Kathy and Blake,
    Tom and I are so sorry to hear about Jay. I remember that Jay always had a smile, and I could see how much he cared for you two.
    You are in our thoughts and prayers. God be with you both. May Jay’s soul rest in peace.
    Mary and Tom Brandt and family

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