Jay V. Irwin, age 89, of Avondale, died Monday, Dec. 22, 2014 at Brandywine Senior Living at Longwood in Kennett Square. He was the husband of Margaret McLaughlin Irwin, with whom he shared 68 years of marriage.
Born in DuBois, Pa, he was a son of the late Vernon Bell and the late Emma Dean (Work) Irwin.
Before finishing high school, he enlisted in the Navy and served stateside in WWII at Camp Lejeune. After attending Millersville State College, he began his career teaching industrial arts in Avon Grove, Coatesville, and Mt. Pleasant School districts. Eventually Jay obtained his Masters degree from University of Pennsylvania.
His love of nature led him to his post-retirement career as a woodcarver. Two of Jay’s carvings made their way to the White House. One was given as a gift to President Jimmy Carter and one was on the 2002 White House Christmas tree at the request of Laura Bush.
He was a Free and Accepted Mason and member of Lodge 545 and a longstanding member of the West Grove Presbyterian Church.
Survivors include in addition to his wife Margaret, three daughters, Deborah I. Schleifer (Robert) of Rockwall, Texas, Diane I. Schmidt of Bear, Del., and Marcia L. Case (Jeffrey) of West Chester; one son, Jay Richard Irwin (Leigh) of Garland, Texas; one sister, Betty Heberling (Hal) of Houston, Texas; eight grandchildren, Dawn, Kimberly, Todd, Nathan, Lori, Tyler, Braden, and Logan, and 12 great grandchildren, Christopher, Sean, Gavin, Kylie, Aiden, Raina, Laney, Rylin, Hailey, Ella, Jude, and Makena and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by two brothers, Don and Robert; and a sister Jean.
You are invited to visit with Jay’s family and friends from 9-11 a.m., Tuesday Dec. 30, at the Foulk & Grieco Funeral Home Inc. (610-869-2685) 200 Rose Hill Rd. West Grove, PA 19390. A memorial service in celebration of his life will follow. Interment will be held privately. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association 399 Market St. Suite 102 Philadelphia, PA 19106. To view Jay’s online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.griecocares.com.
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