On January 3, 2021, Jay Angel Pérez, loving son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend, was called home to our sweet Lord at age 37.

Jay was born on April 23, 1983, in Blytheville, AR to Jorge A. Pérez and Tammy A. Nettles-McFall.  He received his degree in Early Childhood Development from San Antonio College and obtained multiple certifications with the state of Texas in teacher assistance.  After school, he pursued a career as a teacher's assistant for Northside I.S.D.'s afterschool program, Learning Tree, dedicating nearly 10 years to educating children in San Antonio.

Jay had a passion for helping people, especially children.  His love for educating young minds was only matched by his love for his family and friends.  He was a "family man" in every sense of the phrase.  There is nothing Jay wouldn't have done for his family because his love was so deep.  Anyone who befriended him had a friend for life.  Anyone who encountered Jay for even a minute knew he was a special person, especially because of his keen ability to listen and infectious smile.  His family would often joke he should run for office due to his charisma, genuine interest in helping people, and utmost respect for service men and women in the military, police, and fire department.  No matter where he went, Jay could make a stranger into a friend.

Jay was a true athlete who never let his physical limitations hold him back.  The sheer number of trophies and medals he has is proof of his ability to beat the odds and drive to live his best life, regardless of his physical condition.  His wheelchair took him on adventures that many have yet to experience because that was simply his mode of transportation.  Jay was not defined by his wheelchair, nor was he confined to it.  He was an avid fisherman who loved to snow and water ski, zipline, scuba dive, and show off his strength in Olympic competitions.  Not only did Jay love to play sports, but he also loved to watch them.  On the weekends, you could often find him at a game or watching a game on TV, cheering on his favorite team.  He was one of the biggest fans of the Cowboys, Spurs, and Astros you could ever meet.  A sports fanatic, he could tell you sports trivia at the drop of a hat and would often be heard complimenting someone's jersey or shirt of his beloved teams.

Jay lived a bold life without fear, always ready to try something new.  It was Jay's unwavering faith in Jesus Christ and our Mother Mary that allowed him to bravely face life and live it to the fullest.  A dedicated parishioner, Jay was a constant fixture at the church.  He lived his life to love and serve the Lord, sharing his faith with anyone he met.  Angel was not just his middle name, but truly a description of his time here on Earth.  Now he is our angel in Heaven who will truly be missed.

Jay is survived by his parents, Jorge and Tammy, his older brother, Jorge Jr., his younger sister, Jeannice, his nephew, Lorenzo, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

FUNERAL SERVICES

A viewing will be held on Thursday, January 7, 2021, at

The Angelus Funeral Home

1119 N. St. Mary's at 5:00 p.m. with a rosary to follow at 6:00 p.m.

* Maximum occupancy of 75 guests

An additional viewing will be held on Friday, January 8, 2021, at

Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Helotes

at 1:30 p.m. with the funeral mass to follow at 2:30 p.m.

MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

Flowers may be sent in care of The Angelus Funeral Home on Thursday by 5:00 P.M.

at 1119 N. St. Mary's St., San Antonio, TX, 78215, or

in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Spina Bifida Association in honor of Jay's memory.