September 26, 2020
I didn't hear the sad news until the first week of February. He was my all time favorite baseball player. I was a fan since 1976. When he had a great season for the Phillies. My condolences to his family, friends, and other fans around the country
Posted by: Cindy Wilmoth - Cookeville, TN - acquaintance
Feb 21, 2021
First to Jay's family, my deepest condolences. I just found out about Jay's passing. To Jay, thank you for all the memories. You were one of my favorite players no matter what team you were on. I basically grew up parallel to your career. Your book is the best. Keep the baseball players loose in heaven. May God Bless You, Paul Kletzel
Posted by: A friend
Dec 24, 2020
Mr. Johnstone signed my ball when I was a kid. I still threw the ball around a few times and hit it once with a bat. Not sure why... given it was a signed professional ball. Kid stuff. I kept the ball all these years.... I still remember him signing it on the sidelines. Smiling. I asked him to sign the box too. And he did. From what I've read about him that was just part of his character. Much respect and love.
Posted by: William Sweet - Big Bear, CA - acquaintance
Dec 06, 2020
I remember meeting you Jay when I was 12 when you were a Phillie! You were so kind to a young Deaf teen and her Dad and remember we gave you homemade Choc Chip Cookies? We miss you and hope you're very happy in your new Heavenly home. Much comfort to your wife and all your adult kids and grandkids! ♥♥♥♥♥♥
Posted by: Martha Coulter - Albuquerque, NM - Acquaintance
Dec 03, 2020
Our prayers and thoughts to the family. This I send on behalf of our family and the students and parents that knew you and your family at S.S. Felicitas and Perpetua elementary school. May your family find the strength to move forward each day. With love from the Weeks family.
Posted by: Jamie Weeks - San Gabriel, CA - friend
Oct 05, 2020
Jay was a great person who when he came east always called me ,he treated me and my buddies to a Yankees game and also gave my babe Ruth team a free clinic.just a great person and I will miss him greatly.jay would call you just to see how you and the family were doing, especially around holiday.jay RIP you now have the best seat in the house to watch baseball.you are a great person.
Posted by: Arnidis - Reading, PA - friend
Oct 03, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss. I met Jay in 1984 when I was a 14 year old Cubs fan. He was not only my favorite player, he was a great mentor and role model. I am glad I got to speak to him in recent years. I am sending love to you all in this difficult time.
Posted by: CAROLYN (Sue) GUBRUD - IL - friend
Oct 03, 2020
My condolences to the family first. I remember jay when he was sponsoring softball tournaments, meet and talked to him a few times very down to earth person, it’s so sad to hear of his passing. Jay loved his sports, he loved being out there with fans, it’s so sad. Jay RIP.
Posted by: Terry Williams - Los Angeles, CA - friend
Oct 02, 2020
Met Jay when he was with the Dodgers in Philly. Caught a foul ball off his bat and had him sign it after the game. What a character , always laughing and enjoying life. So saddened to learn of his passing. Prayers for his Family and friends. I bet he's already playing on his " Field of Dreams" Stay Johnstone Strong
Posted by: Dave Stuber - Ludwigs Corner, PA - acquaintance
Oct 01, 2020
I read Jay's books over and over and over as a middle schooler. To this day, I remember his pranks, his writing, his stories of getting pizza delivered as a soldier, his changing of Lasorda's tomatoes, and the Shadow. In some ways, I think his writing and his spirit and joie de vivre have helped me become the person I am. It's funny how things stay with you, but at times I say to myself, "only the shadow knows" and this comes from his pranks based on the Green Lantern and the Shadow. My condolences to his wife and daughter, and other family, and thank you to Mr. Johnstone. May you hit tennis balls off of batting tees in the great beyond to your heart's content.
Posted by: Kevin Ahn - Acquaintance
Oct 01, 2020
Much love to Jay's family. My heart breaks for you all. Jay was a funny, thoughtful guy and what a baseball player. His parents were good friends of my in laws Stan and Charlotte. Stan and Jack were great friends for many years. Stan loved to watch Jay play and Jay often got Stan tickets to the home games. I bought Jay's first book and Stan got it signed by Jay for me. I gave it to my mom... Jay will be missed. I need to get that book out again and read the funny stories. Jay say hi to Stan, Charlotte and Linda in heaven for us.
Posted by: Sally - Santa Ana, CA - acquaintance
Sep 30, 2020
Jay sponsored a young men's travelling softball team that changed the course of my life from a direct line to jail to becoming a young man with a goal. I met him only a few times and was awestruck when I did. I am not sure where I would be now if not for Jay's Boys Softball Club and the self respect it gave me. Thank you Jay. God Bless.
Posted by: Michael Morrison - Duarte, CA - friend
Sep 30, 2020
Mary Jane, it has been a very long time since we talked or kept in touch, but I would think about you guys often.Times like these bring back those memories and good times.
All the best to you and your family,
Paul & Susan Stathatos
Posted by: Paul & Susan Stathatos - Santa Rosa, CA - friend
Sep 30, 2020
Mary Jane please accept my condolences. I don’t know if you remember me from your time with Phillies. We watched jay play from behind the plate we stayed in touch for a while. But, like all time we lost touch. I was very saddened by Jays death but it made me think about the times you sneaked a young cop into the vet. My prayers are with you and your daughter. God bless
Posted by: John Gargiulo - Philadelphia, PA - friend
Sep 30, 2020
Extending heartfelt condolences and prayers of comfort to the family of Jay Johnstone. So happy that he got to do what he loved in life and was so good at it too. I pray that God soften your grief during this difficult time and that the family find peace and support from the many friends that loved him.
Posted by: L. M. - CA
Sep 30, 2020
I was a huge fan of Jay Johnstone his entire career ... not only for his great baseball skills but for the fun he would bring to the game. Most of the time I didn't even care what the score of the game was. I just wanted to see what great joke he was going to pull on the players ... they were classics : ) There will never be another like him. Deepest condolences to his family. RIP
Posted by: Lisa Wulff - Urbandale, IA
Sep 29, 2020
I have many fond memories of my opportunities to share experiences with Jay in high school (football and baseball) and summer leagues. I have read his books Temporary Insanity, Some of my Best Friends are Crazy, and Over the Edge. I'll never forget the picture in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune of Jim Merritt (Twins) pitching to Jay (Angels). Wishing the very best to all those important in Jay's life.
Posted by: Kirby Hall - Belton, MO - friend
Sep 29, 2020
It is with a heavy heart to hear the passing of Jay. I admired his baseball accomplishments and his joking ways. He was a kind man who always was friendly and engaging.
My condolences to MaryJane and little MaryJane... God bless you and your family during these unsettled chapters in your lives.
Remember its not good bye but, we'll see you later.
Hope the warmth of your memories comfort you during this time.
All the best,
Dan Murray
Posted by: Daniel Murray - Laguna Niguel, CA
Sep 29, 2020
I was a huge fan of Jay. Enjoyed watching him play with the Phillies and Dodgers...he was my favorite player with a great talent. I have all his books and laugh from the beginning to end. Very sad time for baseball. RIP Jay..my condolences to his family and friends.
Posted by: Maureen Gilligo - MERCERVILLE, NJ
Sep 29, 2020
I am so sorry about the loss of Jay. Being a two-time World Series champion leaves pleasant memories. The Johnstone family has my deepest condolences. I pray that you will be surrounded continuously with love and support. And, as you go through this difficult time, may Almighty God give you everlasting comfort (2 Thess. 2:16).
Posted by: Jenee
Sep 29, 2020
Jay was a guest at our youth baseball camp for three summers. He was a "class act." No pranks. The camp was his classroom. The campers, who idolized him, his students. He was a special person who didn't act like a special person. I have not met many like him. Rest in peace, Jay.
Posted by: Ted Grabowski - Churchville, PA - friend
Sep 29, 2020
