Jay Stevens

Jay Arthur Stevens, 64, passed away on Sunday, November 8, 2020, at his home surrounded by his family.

Born on February 26, 1956, in Cumberland, he was the son of the late Arthur A. and Kathryn (Wonn) Stevens.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son Alexander Arthur Stevens in 2017, and father-in-law, Carl Edward Martens.

He was a 1974 graduate from Beall High School and a 1978 graduated of Frostburg State University.  He received Masters Degrees from Frostburg State University and Georgetown University, and he did additional course work at The Johns Hopkins University.

Jay was a member of the Frostburg United Methodist Church where he was a member of the Chancel Choir, the Hand Bell Choir, and the Wind Ensemble, and he served on various church committees.

Jay was passionate about traveling. He enjoyed it immensely and wanted his children to have the love of traveling as well. Among the countries he visited were Ireland, England, Wales, West Germany, East Germany, Austria, The Netherlands, Denmark, France, Spain, China, Peru, Mexico, and several provinces of Canada. He traveled widely throughout the United States as well having visited all but seven states.

Jay loved to read, especially nonfiction. He was never without a book or one of the several military history publications he subscribed to. He loved having discussions about what he was reading, and this was often dinner conversation. He closely followed both national and international news by reading several online newspapers daily.

Jay was a talented musician and was a long time member of both the Frostburg Arion Band and the Potomac Concert Band. In addition to his Social Studies and Government degrees, Jay also had a Music Education degree. He was a fine pianist.

Jay had a tremendous sense of humor. He was very funny, had an extremely quick wit, and liked to play practical jokes on friends.

Above all else, his children were the most important thing in Jay’s life. He became a Cub Scout leader and remained a leader in scouts until Alex earned his Eagle Scout. He coached both Alex and Tristan in basketball when they were younger, and he continued to coach the Mount Savage Middle School girls’ basketball team until Tristan was finished 8th grade. From the time that Alex and Tristan were toddlers, Jay read to them daily. He loved his family.

He is survived by his wife Janet (Martens) Stevens, Eckhart Mines; daughter, Tristan V. Stevens and significant other, Ahmad Ahmadzai, Laurel; mother-in-law, Nancy (Baker) Martens, Frostburg; sisters-in-law, Joanna Schroyer, Grantsville, and Julie Forney and husband John, Millersburg, PA; brothers-in-law, Jim Martens and wife Carolin, Uniontown, OH, and Jerry Martens and wife Bonnie, Springfield, OH; nephews Jonathan Martens, Josh Martens, Clay Martens, Levi Schroyer, Ben Schroyer, and niece Samantha Martens; and special pets, Xena, Cid, and Sadie.

Interment will follow in Eckhart Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Danny Carter, Jim Posey, Jim Martin, Jerry Martens, and Don Harden.