Jay Stephen Milinichik

Jay Stephen Milinichik was born in Liberal, KS on August 1, 1986. His young life was somewhat nomadic, traveling with his mother and his brother, Tyler, from Kansas to Arkansas, Texas to Illinois, from Oklahoma to Missouri and all before 6th grade. Jay was a happy and energetic baby, with a sports inclination. At 8 years old, under his great Uncle Larry's coaching, he began swinging a golf club. He attended middle and secondary school in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, and was a member of the state championship golf team in 2003. Jay had the ability to play golf at a collegiate level; however, he chose "the door on the left", as he called it, and joined the United States Marine Corps, at the age of 17. He served almost ten years, with 4 tours in Afghanistan and Iraq and served as an Engineer and a Marine Corp Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) instructor. Jay was awarded 2 Purple Hearts, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Navy Unit Commendation (4), Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (2), National Defense Service Medals, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (w/1 Star), Iraq Campaign Medal (w/2 Stars), Global War on Terrorist Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (3), and NATO 's Medal-ISAF Afghanistan. Due to many injuries sustained during his service, Jay was medically retired from the Marine Corp. His Marine brothers expressed that Jay had to be, the best of best, in every aspect of being a Marine, and according to some, he was the ideal Marine. Jay married fellow Marine, Shelly Jo Boston, in 2012 and a year later, they welcomed a baby boy, Jaxton Jay. Jay loved being a father and the young family settled in Tulsa, OK to be near Jay's father. Sadly, in a span of two years, Jay lost his father, his wife, Shelly, and his best friend and Marine brother, Ryan Boudreau. In 2018, Jay and Annie Fuller were married. Jay would always tell Annie, "I don't like you, I love you". As a civilian, Jay co-founded the non-profit organization, Long Drive for Heroes. Their mission was to raise awareness of PTSD for the military and para military. He also worked with Folds of Honor, Witkop Foundation, and Heart of Lion John Daly-Major Ed Foundation, raising thousands of dollars for veterans and their families. He crossed the US, with his best buddy and service dog, Mikey. Jay loved being able to help others and wanted them to know that there was support for life after military service. Sharing his knowledge and passion for golf, Long Drive was something that gave him a sense of fulfillment. When Jay's military injuries were making travel more difficult, he rarely turned down an opportunity to be of service, for what he felt was so important. Jay struggled with his own battle of PTSD, but he never let others feel that they were alone. With his ridiculous jokes, late night or early morning calls, Jay loved to make others happy. "Look to the future" is something that Jay would always tell Annie, whenever times seemed more difficult. Even though he couldn't be at peace himself, he wanted her and others he loved, not to dwell on what had happened in the past. Jay found and felt acceptance when he joined a men's group, called Journey. He truly enjoyed sharing his life and discussing how he interpreted the word of God with these men. Despite numerous medical procedures, Jay's physical pain could not be alleviated, and his health continued to deteriorate. He was admitted to the hospital on January 13th and passed away on February 13th, surrounded by his family and fellow Marines. Jay will forever be known as, "the guy who wanted to protect all those he loved."

Jay Stephen Milinichik

August 1, 1986 - February 13, 2023