***Please note change to service location on Friday to First United Methodist Church of Dearborn***

Jay Philip Pepper, 64, of Franklin, Michigan, passed away suddenly on October 7, 2023. Born in Dearborn, Michigan to the late Joseph and Norma Pepper as the youngest of four brothers, Jay was beloved by his wide circle of family and friends for his kindness, warmth, and sense of humor.

Jay attended Dearborn High School, where he was recognized as a leader and friend to many due to his approachable manner and magnetic personality. His closest friends describe him as one who stood out amongst his peers and to whom everyone looked up. This characterization continued throughout his life.

During his college years at Michigan State University, Jay was particularly proud of his mentorship of young men in his role as Resident Assistant.  He built and added to his long list of lifetime friends while there, graduating in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Advertising.

His love of "all things MSU" permeated not only every college football and basketball season of his life but also his wardrobe.  Jay proudly displayed the Spartan flag from his front porch on game days for decades, pulling it inside only on rare occasion. Those who know, know when.

Following college graduation, Jay began his long and successful career in marketing at J. Walter Thompson in Chicago. He later returned to the Detroit area, where he worked at firms which saw their numbers of sales and customers rise through Jay's strategic efforts. Most recently, he was Director of Operations, Arthur J. Gallagher & Company, leading implementation for automotive marketing programs and, later, strategy for long-term care insurance.

Jay and his wife of 21 years, Susan, have two children who made him enormously proud. Son Kenny is a junior at the University of Michigan. Daughter Lilly is a senior at Marian Catholic High School and looking forward to her own college career.

Together, Jay and Susan built a home filled with love and laughter.  They routinely opened their home to neighbors, friends, and family; hosting holidays, game days, famous Kentucky Derby parties and Wednesday night gatherings with the Baynhams.

They also enjoyed traveling with their children and close friends.  Their particularly memorable trips were designed to open world, local, and national history to their children, such as: Gettysburg, Washington D.C., Chicago, New York, Boston, Vancouver, Seattle, and a long list of scenic Michigan destinations.

Jay was a devoted father, spending time guiding and encouraging his children in their interests and activities.  He was the volunteer President of the Dad's Club at their middle school for six years, leading to his recognition as Volunteer of the Year in 2020. He also served as an assistant coach for Lilly's softball team.

In addition to Susan, Kenny, and Lilly, Jay is survived by his older brothers Dan (Diane), Jeff (Cynthia), and Jon (Diane).  They all knew him affectionately as Jay Boy, and they always will.

Jay is also survived by many nieces and nephews who adored him. They'll remember him as a great uncle, who regularly reached out to inquire about their lives, and to encourage them in their endeavors.

Those who wish to honor Jay's life with a memorial are respectfully invited to donate to the American Cancer Society through Kenny's U of M Chapter of ACS Fundraising ( https://secure.acsevents.org/site/STR?fr_id=106590&pg=personal&px=58349161 ) or to Beyond Basics ( https://donate.stripe.com/cN2aIL14MeVMc7K4gg ), Susan's non-profit employer that provides reading intervention for Michigan children who have fallen into the literacy gap.

A memorial gathering for Jay will be held at the Howe-Peterson Funeral Home, 22546 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 19. A celebration of his life will follow at First United Methodist Church (22124 Garrison St.) on Friday, October 20 at 11:00 a.m. Gathering at the church begins at 10:30am.