Jay Michael Farish

Jay Michael Farish, beloved father, son, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away at home on June 16, 2024 at the age of 45. Born in Torrance, California on February 12, 1979, to Michael and Constance Farish, Jay made his grand entrance into the world by going three weeks past his due date so that he could arrive on his mother’s birthday and share that special day with her. Jay spent his childhood days outside playing street hockey, roller blading, biking, skateboarding, and playing hide and seek with his little brother and the other boys who lived on his street. He spent many days down at the beach with his boogie board.

Jay graduated from South High School in 1997 and began working and taking classes at El Camino College. Following the tragedies that occurred on 9/11/2001, a patriot through and through, Jay felt the pull to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Army. Jay’s military service included five years stationed in South Korea, one campaign in Operation Iraqi Freedom, two campaigns in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom, and several years serving on base at Fort Sill, in Lawton, Oklahoma, where he worked in artillery as a fire control specialist. While stationed in South Korea, Jay met and married Hyo Jung Shin and welcomed his beautiful daughter, Mya Jade. Hyo Jung passed away in 2015.

Jay was honorably discharged from the Army after 13 years of service. Following his discharge, he continued working on base at Fort Sill for a few more years as a government contracted civilian before relocating to Utah to finally have the chance to live near his family again. For those that knew Jay, family was the most important thing in his life. Jay was his happiest when spending time with his daughter, his parents, his siblings, and all his many nieces and nephews. He loved going on vacations with his whole family. His family was blessed to have had him live with and near them the last three and a half years.

Jay was always known as a goof ball that loved to make others laugh. He had a soft spot for animals and was known to take in a stray cat or dog. Jay loved babies and little children, being a kid at heart himself. He was often found holding a baby or pushing a toddler on the swing. He recently bought the supplies and made bubble wands so he could have fun making gigantic bubbles with his nieces and nephews. Jay was nearly 17 years old when his youngest sister was born, but he was always willing to watch cartoons with her, play with her, or even try to convince his mom to let him take her on daring adventures. He loved a good nickname and a tease in a silly voice. He was an incredible artist, with natural talent. As a teenager, Jay’s bedroom was always adorned with his drawings. Jay loved being creative in the kitchen, watching NASCAR, plaid button-ups, Hawaiian shirts, straw hats, and a tidy room. He once said that he liked the beginning of a NASCAR race just as much as a dramatic finish because the beginning is when they play his favorite song, the national anthem.

Jay leaves behind his daughter Mya Jade Farish (19 years), his parents Michael and Connie Farish, his siblings, John (Keri) Farish, Michelle (James) Rees, Katie (Ryan) Stewart, Seeley (Connor) Webster, and Hope (Taylar) Allan, and his 16 nieces and nephews, as well as countless stories, happy memories, and inspiring lessons.

Jay will be buried on July 9th, 2024 at Utah Veterans Cemetery in Bluffdale, UT following a private service for immediate family.

For those unable to attend the services in person, they will be streamed live beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 12th at the following link: 

https://youtube.com/live/8c7yBTDOy00