Jay was born September 20th 1948 in Syosset NY. He and his family relocated to Florida when he was a teen. His parents, Bill Sr and Grace Scalise, he and his brother Bill Jr. lived in Winter Park. After graduating from Nicholls State University in La., Jay set his sights on Hollywood and moved there to pursue an acting career. After several years, he returned to Florida, where he met his partner of 35 years, Roger Elliot. They eventually settled in Portland Oregon where Jay taught in a variety of settings, Including an alternative school founded by he and his partner. After retiring, he and Roger became foster parents and enjoyed serving the youth of the community until Jay's passing. Jay will be missed tremendously by Roger, brother Bill and his wife Lorraine and their children: Chris, Cindy, Jill and Jimmy Scalise, and the many friends they made along the way.