My memories of O.J. “Jay” are vast and extensive. I knew him for 20 years and we became instant friends at the Milwaukee County Zoo when I first started there in the summer of 2000. He definitely took me under his wing and showed me many things, I helped him during Zoo A La Carte and other summer special events. He, Hal and I had many good times and many laughs- we could always count on each other. My best Zoo memories were his stories he would tell me of animal escapes and also helping him close down A La Carte when I was a Zoo Worker during college. We would ride around on his golf cart and help shut down late on Sunday, receiving free food and desserts from the vendors who were closing.
His artistic talent was awesome and I will include some photos in the photo section to showcase. His woodworking was amazing. He created 3 butterflies for me many years ago, and they hang on my garage — a daily reminder of him and how much he meant to me. His wood-carved “Lion” art piece hangs in my home office.
I saw O.J. regularly after he left the Zoo; we had lunch dates out at local restaurants or simply ordered Pizza Shuttle at his house. We talked of his guitars, his travels with his wife, his past work in the theater, and many adventures he went on in his life. We talked of his gardening and how we had that in common— we enjoyed working in our yards very much. He would give me suggestions when he would stop over.
We LOVED to talk about politics. One of our favorite things in common, that’s for sure. We could and would talk and laugh for hours upon hours. His support of me in my life was instrumental, especially after my father passed away. I will forever be grateful for all the times we shared over 20+ years of solid friendship. He will be missed. But he lives on with me — how could he not? His personality was amazing.