Jay Read Katzeman

On September 5, 2019, Jay Read Katzeman, beloved and loving son, partner, uncle and friend passed away in Santa Fe, NM at the age of 52. Jay was born on July 1, 1967 in Canton, OH to J. Read and Julie (Jackson) Katzeman. He received his B.A. degree in English & Creative Writing from San Francisco State University in 1994 and went on to earn his Masters degree in Postsecondary & Adult Education from Capella University in 2012. Jay spent the majority of his career working in higher education and publishing to support his love of creative writing. At the time of his passing Jay was earning his living as a technical writer and editor for J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. in Columbus, OH. Jay maintained deep and enduring relationships. He met the love of his life, John Patrick Brock, on May 5, 2007. Together they made a warm, nurturing home for each other and their fortunate canine family members. So many who knew Jay express the same sentiment: "No one could make me laugh like Jay." His easy, natural humor brought great joy to the many lives he touched. Friendship with Jay meant feeling known and recognized; a rare talent and a true blessing to those who knew him. Jay's spiritual life manifested a combination of unspoken, down to earth Christian love and Buddhist openness and compassion. His intelligence, kindness, and creativity made him a deeply enriching person to know. Jay was an accomplished and dedicated writer. He wrote short stories, plays, screenplays as well as collaborating on lyrics for John's original music. Jay was a published poet. He said poetry was the way he made sense of life. Jay's insight, wit and generosity of spirit live on in his written work and in the hearts of the lives he touched. Preceded in death by his father, J. Read and brother, John. He is survived by his mother Julie, his partner John, niece Chelsea, nephew Aaron and the many friends who considered him family. A celebration of life gathering/memorial will be held in Jay's honor: Sunday, November 10, 2019 at 2 pm Goodale Park Shelterhouse 120 W Goodale St, Columbus, OH 43215. For more details and to RSVP: https://www.gatheringus.com/memorial/jay-read-katzeman/1456 Flowers, remembrances or donations for the memorial may be sent to 4435 Bixby Road, Groveport, OH 43125 or a donation in Jay's name can be sent to the Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center.