Jay Gardiner Heitz

Jay Gardiner Heitz, born July 18, 1948, passed away at Ohio Hospice of Dayton peacefully on August 28, 2025, with no regrets. Jay was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) in April 2024 that progressed into Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and fought the disease until his body told him he was done. Jay had a wonderful life, a wonderful family growing up, and after marriage. 

Jay graduated from Oakwood High School in 1966 and from the University of Denver in 1970. Jay spent most of his business career happily at Gayston Corporation, whereupon he looked out his office window in 1982 and saw Laura McGinnis because she bought his company car. Jay and Laura were married on January 15, 1988, had a happy 37-year marriage and had “3 great kids,” twins Arthur (“Ahtie”) and Trevor, who were born on his 42nd birthday, and his third jewel Hannah, born 14 months later. 

Jay was hard-working, a devoted family and businessman, and passionate about golf. Jay was a member at Moraine Country Club for over 50 years and could tell you many great stories about every hole and match he ever played, including the creation of his signature “Jay Heitz Martini”. Jay was also proudly a member of a golf investment group (FABI), and if asked what FABI meant, would always say “I could tell you you, but then I’d have to kill you.” The group enjoyed outstanding trips in numerous states as well as Scotland, Ireland, and England. After retirement, Jay could often be seen sitting with Laura on his back porch with a dog at his feet, listening to music or numerous audiobooks.

Jay is preceded in death by his father Arthur Sunderland Heitz, mother Helen Root Gardiner, sister Terry Heitz Rogers, brother-in-law Jim Rogers, and sister-in-law Fran Heitz. Jay is survived by his wife Laura McGinnis Heitz, sons Ahtie Heitz (Sara Cott), Trevor Heitz (Kathy Krupa), daughter Hannah Heitz (Kyle Cunningham), brother Jeff Heitz and many extended family members.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Special thank you to all the staff at Kettering Cancer Center, University of Cincinnati Blood Center, and Ohio Hospice of Dayton. In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, Hospice Foundation of America, or American Cancer Society.