Jay E. Tomlinson Jr. led a life of accomplishment. He started from humble beginnings on March 14, 1937, born in a farmhouse in Ovalo, Texas. His parents J.E. and Alma Tomlinson, moved to California and began farming in the Central Valley near Fresno in 1939.
Jay attended Fresno State College, earning a BS in Business Administration. While in college, Jay became a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity and later in life became a "Life Loyal Sig" as an alumnus.
He joined the U.S. Navy, successfully completed OCS and was commissioned in July 1959. He was trained as an Air Intelligence Officer and made two deployments to Vietnam, earning the Vietnam Expeditionary Medal and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. Jay was a Proud American. Following military service he began a long career in the financial services industry. He became a Certified Financial Planner in 2001.
During his working years, Jay earned a Master's Degree in Public Administration from California State University, Fullerton. Several years later, he qualified as a commercial pilot with a multi-engine rating. After moving from Anaheim, Calif., in 1998, Jay and Jean made their home in Carson Valley. Jay was active in the Tahoe/Douglas Elks Lodge #2670 for many years, having served as a trustee. He also was active in the American Legion High Desert Post 56 in Carson City and held the post of finance officer.
Jay is survived by his loving wife of 16-plus years Jean; daughter Rachel Lea Tomlinson of Studio City, Calif.; adopted daughter Jennifer Leidholm and adopted son James N. Tomlinson both of Orange County, Calif.; stepson Michael T. Mordaunt of Cypress, Calif.; stepdaughter Elizabeth Marie Mordaunt of Dearborn, Mich.; and four grandchildren who live in Orange County and Santa Barbara, Calif.
A Rosary will be recited at 10:30 a.m. Saturday March 5, with the funeral Mass following at 11 a.m. at St. Gall Catholic Church in Gardnerville. Burial will take place at Lone Mountain Cemetery in Carson City with an Elks service and military honors. Contributions may be made to the American Legion High Desert Post 56, P.O. Box 2848 Carson City, NV 89702, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 4395 W. 4th Reno, NV 89502, or DAWG, P.O. Box 1850, Gardnerville, NV 89410.
FitzHenry's Funeral Home in Carson City has been entrusted with the arrangements.