IRWIN, Jay Edward

Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, Arizona Wednesday, April 04, 2012 Jay Edward Irwin, 49, passed away Sunday, April 1, 2012, at Olivia White Hospice House in Flagstaff surrounded by his family. God called him to his Heavenly Home after a difficult but courageous battle with cancer. Jay was born May 8, 1962, in Marion, Illinois the second son of Jerry and Kathleen (O'Brien) Irwin. He moved with his family to Mesa, Arizona in 1970 and to Flagstaff in 1972. He attended school in Illinois, Mesa and Thomas School, East Flag Junior High and Coconino High School in Flagstaff. Jay loved the outdoors, especially camping, fishing and riding a Harley motorcycle. He is survived by his parents of Flagstaff, his brothers, Jeff Irwin (Stephanie) of Kailua Kona, Hawaii, Jaimie Irwin of Rimrock, Arizona. He also leaves behind a nephew, Steven Irwin of Minnesota, nieces, Alexandra Irwin of Gilbert, Arizona and Kylee Sullivan of Kailua Kona, Hawaii. He is also survived by his uncles, Jim O'Brien of Marion, Illinois and John Irwin of Buckeye, Arizona and his Aunt Judy and Uncle Jerry Staudacher of Wildwood, Missouri. Jay was a good friend and leaves many, some going back to when they were in fifth grade at Thomas School. He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents and some of his boyhood friends. He will be greatly missed and remembered. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, April 7, 2012 at Norvel Owens Funeral Home with visitation at 1:00pm and funeral service at 2:00pm with burial following at Citizen's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions made to Northland Hospice or the American Cancer Society at the Flagstaff Cancer Center. Condolences may be sent directly to the family or expressed online at www.norvel owensmortuary.com Arrangements are by Norvel Owens Mortuary. This obituary was prepared by the Advertising Department (928) 556-2279.