Reverend Jay Austin Wilcox Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Rev. Jay Austin Wilcox, a 28-year resident of Brewerton, N.Y., died on June 16, 2022. He was born in Washington, DC in 1937 to the late Glenna Austin Wilcox and Harold E. Wilcox, Senior. Jay is survived by his daughters, Cynthia Wilcox, and Wendy (Bryan Hagin) Wilcox; his grandchildren, Jenna Hagin, Kyle Hagin, and Ryan Hagin; and his sister, Eleanor (Terry) Slater. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his beloved wife, Sandy Allen Wilcox, their infant sons, and his brother, Harold E. “Hal” Wilcox. Jay initially grew up in Washington, DC and Annandale, Virginia. When he was a teen, Jay’s family moved to Sandy Creek, NY, where he attended Sandy Creek High School. He subsequently earned a bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies from Syracuse University and a Master of Divinity from Wesley Theological seminary in Washington, DC. He served as Senior Pastor for two churches in West Virginia, as well as four churches in Central New York. The administrative experience that he gained in the ministry contributed to his post-retirement success as real estate broker. Over the years, Jay served as a chaplain and board member for many organizations. Other past volunteer work included his work on affordable housing initiatives in Syracuse, NY in the 1970s, service with the Brewerton Chamber of Commerce and several board positions with Sandy Creek High School’s Alumni Association. At the time of his death, he was a devoted member of Park Central Presbyterian Church in Syracuse, NY. As a high school student, Jay loved playing the sousaphone in the marching band. He had a lifetime affection for music of all kinds and was a fan club member of the popular local attraction, Fritz’s Polka Band. Jay was an avid scholar of American history who regaled younger family members with stories of growing up in Washington, DC and its Virginia suburbs during World War II. Cherished memories of his boyhood sightings of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Kate Smith were always included in his vignettes. In his later years, Jay was a devoted grandfather who was always ready with fun activities, including trips to the zoo, fun at the beach and visits to the local museum of science and technology. No outing was complete without a favorite treat: ice cream! A service in celebration of Jay’s life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 17 at Park Central Presbyterian Church; 504 East Fayette Street, Syracuse, N.Y.13202. Memorial contributions in Jay’s name may be made to Park Central Presbyterian Church’s general fund.