Posted by Brian Olsen on March 7, 2009:

Entered into eternal life February 28, 2009 in the Kingdom of Bahrain. He was 36 years old. Jay was born May 22, 1972 in Spokane, WA. As a child, Jay was devoted to his younger brother, Brian, and his many pets. He loved sports, the outdoors and books. He attended school in Idaho, Oregon and graduated from Shadle Park High School in Spokane. Jay was determined to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point (USMA). At the age of 17, he joined the Army Reserves in his quest to receive the required Congressional nomination. Ultimately, he was accepted and attended West Point. He accomplished the first of his many dreams when he graduated from West Point in June of 1994 with a BS in History. Jay was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and spent two years stationed in Germany. After leaving the service, Jay worked for Safeco Insurance Company, in Seattle, as a claims adjuster. Deciding he was not ready to settle in one place, he started the first of his many journeys. Jay moved to Korea where he taught English at various institutes and universities, including their Naval and Military academies, plus, a large corporation. He developed many of their current curriculums. Jay received his TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) certificate in Thailand one summer break. In 1998, while in Korea, Jay met and married his wife, Woo Young. In 2000, they had their son, Joshua. Jay was a wonderful husband and the best Daddy a son could hope for. Most of all, Jay loved his family. He enjoyed the outdoors and had a passion for history and travel. Jay lived every day of his life to the fullest. Jay spent three years in Spokane working as an insurance agent. Evenings he attended Eastern Washington University and received his Masters in Business Administration (MBA) in 2006. He was a member of the Spangle Masonic Lodge #131 and El Katif Shrine. Jay, Woo Young and Joshua traveled extensively, visiting: St. Petersburg, Saipan, Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, Laos, China, Macau, Canada, Mexico, and Europe. He was always planning a new journey. He provided his family with exceptional experiences. In 2008, Jay accepted a position with Dammam Community College in Saudi Arabia as a lecturer in the business department. While on holiday in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Jay was struck by a vehicle. Jay spent two months in the Salmaniya Hospital in Manama, Bahrain, with family always by his side. Jay lost his most courageous battle and began his final journey February 28, 2009. Jay is survived by his wife, Woo Young; son, Joshua; mother and stepfather, Anita and Larry Koch; father and stepmother, Len and Carol Olsen; brother, Brian; grandparents, Dick and Lois Olsen; Carl and Arlene Rosselli; his extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins and worldwide friends. Jay was preceded in death by his grandparents, Charles L. and Mary Anna Wallace and Don and Marylin Koch. Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. at RIPLINGER FUNERAL HOME, 4305 N. DIVISION, SPOKANE, WA. Interment with military honors will follow at Fairmount Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children and/or the Spokane Humane Society. Jay, Be Thou at Peace...(USMA)

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