Jay Dooley - Biography
Jay Dooley came into the world on November 16, 1979 in Longview, Texas. Jay and his parents, Jerry and Marge, welcomed his sister, Alison, fourteen months later. After spending Jay's preschool years in Texas, the Dooleys moved back to their native New Jersey in order to be closer to their extended families.
During Jay's elementary school years, he attended both Forestdale and Holy Cross Schools in Rumson. It was during these formative years that Jay became a sports enthusiast and started using his natural athletic ability. He starred in the youth leagues in Rumson in baseball, football and basketball. He eventually gravitated toward basketball, playing with the very competitive BYAA youth program in Middletown.
Upon reaching high school at Rumson Fair Haven Regional, Jay played three years of varsity basketball. He culminated his career as one of the schools all time leading scorers with over 1000 points. He also competed with the Jersey Shore Warriors AAU program, teaming with other local stars against some of the nation's best players.
Jay graduated from Rumson Fair Haven Regional High School in 1998.
After spending a prep school year at Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia, Jay accepted a full basketball scholarship to Monmouth University. Jay established himself at Monmouth and became a regular for the Hawks. He and his teammates spent some time in the national spotlight by earning a berth in the 2001 NCAA tournament against perennial powerhouse Duke University.
After college, Jay spent three years working on the floor of the Mercantile Exchange in New York City. He later worked for the World Wide Marketing Group, using his magnanimous personality to earn several sales and leadership awards.
Jay Dooley had a lovable and charismatic soul. In today's vernacular, he possessed the "IT" factor, he simply had "IT." It was apparent to everyone he came in contact with. Jay was the person you wanted to sit next to at Thanksgiving Dinner, he was a man's man, he was a ladies man, he was kind, he was gentle, he was loving, sincere, intelligent, and witty. The little kids loved him. His infectious personality allowed him to connect and bring delight to people of all ages. As a friend aptly put it, " Jay was an athlete by design and an artist at heart." He was naturally both rugged and gentle.
No doubt, Jay's most special trait was his way with children. Although he showed this at a very young age with all of his younger cousins, it became even more evident with the births of his beloved nephew and niece, Brandon and Isabela. He had a way of touching the hearts of all the children he came into contact with. When visiting or attending an event, the common refrain from the little ones was, "Is Jay going to be there?" Jay made them feel special, Jay made them feel important. And most of all, Jay made them feel loved.
We go forward with Jay in our minds and in our hearts.
HELP JAY HELP THE KIDS!
