Jay Terpstra

Jay Stewart Terpstra (JT or Pops) 65, passed away suddenly Monday June 3rd, 2025 in Bridgeport, CT. He is preceded in death by his oldest son of four children; Dirk Terpstra, who he missed deeply. JT will be loved and remembered by his children; Tess, Drew (Justin) and Brandon Terpstra. He was know as "Pops" for his propensity for looking out for others.

JT was also born the 1st son of four children to Stew and Donna (Roede) Terpstra on 10-28-59 to the Grand Rapids area. He is survived by his siblings Nancy (Mark) McDade, Gary (Kaylynn) Terpstra and Brian Terpstra.

After growing up with deep family roots in the automotive industry and graduating from Kalamazoo Christian High School, JT settled in Paw Paw, MI for many years. He owned and operated his own automotive equipment servicing company, started a family and had four children. Later in his life, JT worked as Property Manager of a faith founded reintegration housing program with his older sister, Nancy for the last 17 years.

JT was a self proclaimed "mechanic's mechanic" and "jack of all trades, master of none". He was funny, sociable, stubborn, proud, smart, artistic, and lived in the moment. Always clever and witty, he was prepared with humorous quips in every conversation. JT's interests included cars, music, playing trumpet, traveling, bowling, darts, movies, trivia, mechanics, sports and how things work.

Doing what he loved to his end, such as working with his hands and figuring out how things generally function, JT stayed a fairly simple and straightforward man. His remains will reside at Mt. Ever Rest North, Kalamazoo, Michigan. A memorial service for those who knew him in the end of his life was held in Bridgeport, CT. No other arrangements have been made at this time. His Facebook profile will be updated accordingly.