Michael Jay

Michael Jay (AKA Frederick Junker) of Sarasota, FL. Michael has been known as Mick since he was born May 3, 1961 in Kalamazoo, named after Mickey Mantel. He was the 4th generation of the Frederick Junker family. Michael died rather suddenly on Dec 2, 2025 from Pulmonary Fibrosis in Sarasota Florida. Mick changed his last name to Jay in the 1980s. Mick went to Portage schools and Otsego High School and graduated in 1979. Growing up he attended Zion Lutheran Church. Mick had many great talents as an artist and in music and played his red Ludwig drums since age seven. He was a natural and loved rock music. At one time he had a band called Explorer in his high school years. Mick moved to Sarasota in the early 80s. He loved Florida. He worked at the Emporium Art Store as a Master Framer and Commercial Artist in the Sarasota and Long Boat Key area. Mick was an avid auto race fan of the Indy 500, Formula 1, and NASCAR racing teams. He and his Dad had been to Indy 20 plus times. Mick loved football and coached little league in Sarasota when his son was young. Mick loved nature and animals, and especially rabbits, and took care of many strays over the years. Mick is preceded in death by his Father, Fred L Junker, of Kalamazoo, and his beloved grandparents Fred and Patricia Junker and John and Betty Bree of Kalamazoo. He leaves his Mother, Joyce E. Bree of Kalamazoo, his beloved and devoted friend of many years, Mars Barlow of Sarasota. Son, Jeffrey Jay, Grandson Jackson VanNorman and Jackson's Mother Katrina VanNorman of Sarasota. Aunts and Uncles, Pam and Tom Monroe of Portage, Judy and Tom Ware of St Paul MN, and Helen Bree Bradford of Tallahassee, Fl, and many cousins. Cremation has taken place in Sarasota, Florida. Mick loved animals and nature. In remembrance of Mick Jay, you may contribute to the Kalamazoo Nature Center or The Kalamazoo Humane Society.